Learners’ Voices Across Ireland: New research findings from 2023
The latest findings from our research into Further Education and Training show that what benefits people most is the care and respect shown to them by tutors. This is in contrast with common experiences of learning at school, which can be more authoritarian, or experiences of learning at university, which can be more hands-off.
2023 Highlights from AONTAS
2023 will soon be drawing to a close and we’re getting ready to close up the AONTAS offices for the holidays and head home for some mince pies.
A lot has happened this year! Let’s take a look back at the highlights.
Tutors are key to a positive learning experience for adult learners
Our Research Officer Dr Laura Lovejoy reflects on AONTAS’ research over the years and how adult learners describe the positive impact of support and guidance from tutors.
Raising our Members’ Issues at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2023
We went to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis at the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone to speak to representatives and party members about the importance of adult and community education.
“Show Me the Money”: a meeting of the AONTAS Community Education Network
The latest meeting of the Community Education Network focused on funding for community educators. Funding is an issue that we hear about all the time. Lack of funding in the sector remains one of the core issues raised by members of the CEN.
Combining education with wellness to empower people to deal with challenges, live meaningful lives, and contribute to society
We visited Threshold Training Network in Tallaght in Dublin. They combine wellness with education to help people back on the road to recovery and the world of work.
What makes Community Education special?
This September, we’re running a national campaign to encourage all community education groups and organisations across the island of Ireland to Put Yourself On the Map. Our new AONTAS Community Education Map will be a valuable resource showing the breadth of community education work happening across the country, and in the future it will be used as evidence of the impact of community ed in discussions with funders and policymakers. Join us this September and Put Yourself On The Map.
What Does Community Education Mean to Us?
This September, we’re running a national campaign to encourage all community education groups and organisations across the island of Ireland to Put Yourself On the Map. Our new AONTAS Community Education Map will be a valuable resource showing the breadth of community education work happening across the island, and in the future it will be used as evidence of the impact of community ed in discussions with funders and policymakers. Join us this September and Put Yourself On The Map.
On the Road with the Community Education Network: Henrietta Adult & Community Education Service (HACE)
In May, Lorraine O’Connor, our Community Education Officer, made a site visit to Henrietta Adult & Community Education Service (HACE) Henrietta Street in Dublin.
On the Road with the Community Education Network: Roscommon Women’s Network
Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) is a local community project and charity dedicated to supporting women and families in County Roscommon. Recently, our Adult Learning Initiative Officer Leo Gilmartin and our Membership & Digital Engagement Officer Brian Desmond went along to their “Community Conversation” workshop.