ILO organized an online webinar on the professional development of TVET managers in Bangladesh

The Skills 21 project, in collaboration with International Training Centre-ILO, organized an online webinar on the professional development of TVET managers on 24 June 2021

News | 27 June 2021
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DHAKA (ILO News) - The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the learning and working environments of teacher education worldwide. It requires a new learning and knowledge transfer method and deeper collaboration between TVET centres and industry. The use of e-learning, including virtual formats and techniques, has been increasing in the classrooms since the pandemic started and is expected to continue going forward.

The Skills 21 project, in collaboration with International Training Centre-ILO, organized an online webinar on the professional development of TVET managers on 24 June 2021. Over 100 participants attended the workshop, including the principals and teachers from partner TVET institutes, and officials from the DTE and the BMET. Three experts from Germany shared their experiences and provided findings and insights on the latest developments of innovative and the professional development of TVET teacher training in Germany.

Through the session, the participants learned about systematic approaches for continuous professional development of TVET teachers, trainers and mentors in both school- and work-based settings. Participants learned how professional representatives deal with the issues of innovation, digitalization, didactics, pedagogies, and life-long learning for TVET teachers in an ever changing world.

Janine Michele from the Institute of Vocational Education and Adult Education at the the Leibniz University of Hanover shared a platform accompanying and supporting students individually on their path of becoming TVET teachers.

Dr Anne Busian from the Technical University of Dortmund discussed the distinction between TVET teachers and TVET trainers or in-company instructors. Both domains require different competencies and skills. TVET teachers focus on learning and work tasks, while trainers focus on work-related skills through actual work tasks and work environments. It is crucial to develop social competencies such as problem-solving, self-reliant learning, and teamwork to acquire complex skills.

Prof. Dr Matthias Pilz from the University of Cologne explained the importance of understanding the company context. Each teacher shall have a great awareness and understanding of the world of work. He stressed the importance of integrating this in the development of curricula for teacher education.

Mohammad Abdul Matin Howlader, Principal-in-Charge of the Bangladesh Sweden Polytechnic Institute, participated in the seminar and found it useful. He said, “We are preparing the students for the industries, therefore, understanding the industry context and being a part of the TVET delivery system is a must.”

The Skills 21 project of the ILO is funded by the European Union, and will continue organizing webinars to explore good practices globally, which the TVET practitioners in Bangladesh can adapt if needed.