FINAL TRANSNATIONAL PROJECT MEETING

The transnational meeting of Erasmus + project TransforME hosted a final training event between December 11th and 15th, 2023 in the capital of Slovakia – Bratislava where the total of 15 participants from hosting and partnering countries learned about practical implementations and the principles of transformational learning methods and strategies.

The training was provided by a hosting organization topcoach – an educational and research organization in the field of adult education and welcomed partners from Italy, Slovenia and Turkey.

PRACTICAL GUIDANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANFORMATIVE LEARNING

Building on the expertise and knowledge of earlier training events, the culminating learning and training activity event enhanced professional experience in the fields of adult education transformation and pedagogy. It also enhanced theoretical rhetoric and principles. Mezirow's transformative learning theory was implemented and presented using key components based on participant experiences from real life and professional support from the hosting organization.

Training activity – Day 1 led by Ingrid Schostoková Krupičková

A presentation by Mrs. Shostoková, a qualified and experienced trainer in the fields of psychology and soft skills in adult education and development, led the training portion of the Transformational Meeting. The afternoon session covered the integration of transformational learning methods into adult learning curricula, while the morning session concentrated on building the bravery and self-confidence necessary for transformational learning and teaching.

Training Activity – Day 2 led by Mgr. Veronika Korim

The second day of the training meeting began with a morning session led by Mgr. Veronika Korim, a PhD candidate in the psychology program at Comenius University in Bratislava. She led the group through useful techniques and methods that professors and trainers in academia and higher education use when giving real lectures and trainings for university curricula.

Mgr. Korim provided an extended knowledge on pros and cons of different teaching styles – Lecturer, Demonstrator, Hybrid, Facilitator and Delegator.

Key theories that drive transformation learning were presented:

• Transformational Leadership Theory (Burns)
• Intentional Change Theory (Boyatzis)
• Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura)
• Transformative Learning Theory (Mezirow)

The afternoon was dedicated to a practical workshop where all the participants shared their personal journey of transformation based on their own experiences. The stories were presented one individually to the group, with interactive inputs and further exploration through additional questions.

Day 3 - Cultural Experience

On the third day of training activities, the participants immersed into the culture of the hosting country – Slovakia. The day kicked off with a guided tour in the capital city, Bratislava, covering essential landmarks such as Bratislava Castle, Tower Hall and the charming streets of the Old Town. Participants had a chance to get a taste of traditional Slovak cuisine and see a cultural exhibition of Slovak contemporary fine art in Nedbalka Gallery.
In the evening hours the hosting organization has welcomed the participants in the Slovak National Philharmony where they could enjoy some classical Christmas pieces of Slovak national composers such as Ján Levoslav Béla or Viliam Figuš- Bystrý.

Transform Me: Developing Social Inclusion of Adults as Transformational Learners is an Erasmus+ KA2 project coordinated by Guzelbahce Halk Egitimi Merkezi Mudurlugu (Turkey), in partnership with Topcoach (Slovakia), Vedoma (Slovenia), and EduVita (Italy).