Pro-SAL Professional Administrative Support for Adult Learning
Grundtvig Project, October 2005 - December 2007

Project coordinator: German Institute for Adult Education (DIE), Germany

Administration employees of Adult Education organisations often provide an initial, and ongoing, important contact for learners. Their work impacts on the performance of the institution, the learner satisfaction as well as the institutions ability to assert itself in the market. In most European countries the competences and skills acquired during a general vocational education or training do not meet the specific needs of organisations that offer adult education courses. Research carried out by the Pro-SAL project partners supports this. It identifies gaps in the training of administrative staff in Adult Education to prepare them to specifically work in this field.

This gap is closed by the training provision developed by the Pro-SAL project. This training course strives for a balance of theory and practice. It
▪ develops intercultural competences
▪ identifies the uses of communication theories and trains people to communicate effectively
▪ identifies critical events in Adult Education organisations
▪ discusses documentation and statistical issues and provides an insight in how to identify processes in Adult Education Organisations to improve quality and organisational sustainability

A variety of training methods are used and participants are encouraged to be actively engaged in the course, reflect on their own experience and share it with others. This participatory approach will be achieved through activities which include, discussions, group work, individual tasks and role plays.