For many people, higher education is not only a key to self-development, but also a key to a future career. But what happens when the learning path hits obstacles or labour market expectations do not match the content of the training? A project of the EU-funded Human Resources Development Operational Programme has developed innovative solutions to these challenges to make higher education more successful and practice-oriented.
The overall aim of the joint project of the University of Debrecen and the University of Miskolc on Cooperative Education and Educational Innovation in Vocational Teacher Training in Eastern Hungary (KOSZT) was to increase the number of participants and the level of qualifications in higher education in the region, especially in the field of engineering pedagogy and vocational teacher training.
The project has transformed local higher education in several ways. One of the most important changes has been the development of practice-oriented training, with vocational teacher training courses developing closer links with employers. This means that students can go beyond theoretical knowledge and acquire concrete skills that are immediately applicable in the labour market. At the same time, attention is also paid to students who drop out or are at risk of dropping out. Courses have become more flexible and better adapted to students’ individual life situations, for example the need to learn while working. Another important pillar of the project has been the involvement of practitioners, who have proven themselves in the world of work and now have the opportunity to share their experience. The project has also provided them with the necessary training to participate effectively in the training process.
The modernisation of the education system has brought a number of innovative steps. The university’s curricula and methods have been redesigned to build on students’ active participation and practical work. In addition, digital learning materials and modern teaching tools have been developed, which are not only easily accessible but also facilitate learning. Teachers have been trained in a variety of courses and trainings to enrich their knowledge with modern methodological tools and to support students’ learning processes even more effectively.
The importance of the initiative goes beyond higher education: a region such as Eastern Hungary, where a well-educated workforce is key to economic and social development, stands to benefit particularly from this project. The competitive knowledge and practical skills of young people living here will contribute to the long-term development of the local economy and increase social mobility.
This project clearly demonstrates how collaboration, innovation and listening to students’ needs can make a real difference in higher education. Modernising education, taking a practice-oriented approach and adapting to labour market demands will not only increase student success, but also strengthen the region as a whole. Eastern Hungary will thus become not only a centre of training but also a region of development and opportunity.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project EFOP-3.5.2-17-2017-00001 under the Human Resource Development Operational Programme.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
