clare family learning project 2009 family learning in ireland mary flanagan co-ordinator clare...

Clare Family Learning Project 2009

Family Learning in Ireland

Mary Flanagan

Co-ordinator

Clare Family Learning Project


What is Family Learning?

Denny Taylor first coined the term ‘Family Literacy’1983. Literacy happening in the home

Andrea Mearing in UK suggested the phrase Family Learning: 1996. Wider context including programmes aimed at disadvantaged parents and their children. Literacy and numeracy


Definition

Family Learning is an umbrella term which describes a wide variety of educational intervention programmes that have an intergenerational focus in their design and delivery

Mainly parent only programmes in Ireland Some parent and child together


Key Points Parents are the first and most natural teachers of their

children

The home is a very valuable learning place

The parental involvement on a child’s learning is eight times more important than any other factor, such as occupation of parent, in increasing a child’s achievement in school’(Feinstein and Symons 1999:51)

Building social networks for parents

Encouraging parents to become Lifelong Learners


Clare Family Learning was based on

Basic Skills Agency Articles in Viewpoint 1994

Visit to Dr. Peter Hannon, Sheffield University. ORIM framework. Clare added numeracy

Kenan Model in Kentucky, USA Research by Vygotsky and Bruner


Clare

Clare recognised the potential of Family Learning

Took into account a wider approach Emphasis on practical activities, notion of

play Likelihood of further participation


Clare Family Learning Project

Responding to parents requests in 1994

Piloted programmes– Emerging skills

– Homework help

– Moving on

– Developed Pack 2000

– National Dissemination using Tutor Training

Funding– Department of

Education

– International Year of the Family

– Private US foundation

– EU Horizon, Integra


Range of Programmes in Clare

Parents of 0-7 year olds Parents of Primary

children Parents of 2nd level

children, First Years 2 locally developed

FETAC Level 3 modules Family Learning

Dads and Lads Sport Dads and Lads Science

Active Citizenship Storysacks Quilts and Books FL and Irish Supporting Your First

Year Child’s Maths Family Health


Family Learning in Ireland Working Together Approaches to Family Literacy : 2004

Vocational Education Committees VECs Area Development Management ADMs Home School Community Liaison Teachers

Lifestart Project - various counties Read to Succeed - various counties Banagher Project - Transition to 2nd Level Libraries - Storybags - various counties Community Development Initiatives


Who Benefits?

2 for 1 Strategy: Parent and Child

3 for 1 Strategy: Parent, Child and Community


Outcomes for Learners Positive attitude to their children’s schooling -

increasing childrens’ chance of achievement in school, staying in school

Progression onto other options More confident in coming to class Increased interest, willingness and ability to learn Building confidence through small successes - gives

hope Good social networks and friendships


Barriers for learners attending Negative experiences of education to date Difficult home life Extreme poverty Lack of confidence Fear Shift work Lack of childminding facilities Costs


What makes a Family Learning Programme Successful? Partnership Informal / non formal structure Interesting topics - Meeting the needs of groups Building on existing knowledge of learners Practical activities Nurturing parents learning then they in turn can help

their children learn Experienced and well trained tutors Flexible provision, times, locations


Family Literacy

1994

Family Learning

2000

Wider Family Learning

2007

• Small booklet

produced

• Pilots run countywide

• Focus on early years

• Family Learning Pack produced

The Clare Family Learning Project

• Wide variety of programmes to meet the diverse needs of

our learning community

• Portable, affordable and

adaptable

• Huge potential for growth

• To reach those least likely to

engage in education

• New developments


Partnership Schools recognise the benefits of parental

involvement Community groups: Use of premises, Use FL tutors,

can provide link people Health Service Executive: PFLAG Social Services: Social Workers Libraries: Use of premises Network meetings used to promote work Common Denominator is Family Learning


Government Recognition

White Paper Learning for Life :2000 -innovative way of delivering adult education

Oireachtas Report :2006 -Recommends dedicated Family Learning Budget

Towards 2016:2006 - Provision of learning opportunities for vulnerable groups, disadvantaged communities. Measures to increase retention in school, and reduce literacy, numeracy problems.


Recommendations Identify best practice and disseminate Retain non formal flexibility, positive experiences Ability to respond to local needs Respect for where learners are at Build further links with schools Develop Family Learning programme to support parents of

special needs children Continue to train tutors nationally Develop resources for range of FL courses Empower parents to choose learning, not impose it


Wider Benefits of FL

Likelihood of continuation in education Increased parent child interaction on

literacy and numeracy activities FL now linked with English Language for

Parents of Primary and Second Level Cultural Integration of Migrants More active citizens in communities


Vision for Family Learning Parents attracted to it naturally Extend promotion of programmes (start small) National quarterly family learning

newsletter: www.clarefamilylearning.org– to bring together Family Learning best practice,

resources, materials and events

Clare Tutor Training check under news

clare family learning project 2009 family learning in ireland mary flanagan co-ordinator clare...

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