DUAL ONLINE CENTER
Bank of Good Practices in Social Inclusion through WBL
COMPASS – Enhancing Motivation of Older Learners through Cultural Materials
Overview
The COMPASS project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, addresses the need to motivate older learners to engage in lifelong learning, particularly in the area of foreign language education. It was implemented in six European countries and focused on enhancing the skills of adult educators who work with older adults.
Through face-to-face training activities, adult educators were supported in creating learning materials based on the cultural heritage of older learners. These materials included digital books and cultural geocaching routes developed by informal study groups of seniors, guided by the trained educators.
The project contributed to promoting inclusion and participation of older learners by valuing their cultural backgrounds and strengthening their motivation to learn.
Through face-to-face training activities, adult educators were supported in creating learning materials based on the cultural heritage of older learners. These materials included digital books and cultural geocaching routes developed by informal study groups of seniors, guided by the trained educators.
The project contributed to promoting inclusion and participation of older learners by valuing their cultural backgrounds and strengthening their motivation to learn.
Objectives
• Enhance the professional development of adult educators.
• Motivate older learners to improve their foreign language skills.
• Support the creation of learning materials based on local cultural heritage.
• Promote participation in lifelong learning among older adults.
• Motivate older learners to improve their foreign language skills.
• Support the creation of learning materials based on local cultural heritage.
• Promote participation in lifelong learning among older adults.
Implementation
The COMPASS project was implemented through structured training activities for adult educators across six countries. These educators were equipped to work with older learners in informal learning groups. Together, they created culturally based foreign language learning materials.
Key actions included a blended course for educators, an open platform with a tool bank, a digital book titled “Constructing Identity through Cultural Memory”, and virtual geographical routes. These activities fostered inclusive learning environments and highlighted the cultural contributions of older adults.
Key actions included a blended course for educators, an open platform with a tool bank, a digital book titled “Constructing Identity through Cultural Memory”, and virtual geographical routes. These activities fostered inclusive learning environments and highlighted the cultural contributions of older adults.
Innovative features
Digital learning tools to improve access, Specialized training tailored to different learner needs, Uses technology to improve access, Offers flexible learning options for different needs
Success stories
A post on the COMPASS Facebook page highlights the “Geocaching Cultural Route” activity, where older learners used digital tools like maps, QR codes, and chatbots to explore and share their cultural heritage. This engaging process promoted digital inclusion, strengthened motivation to learn, and empowered participants to take an active role in the learning experience. (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=622677399927871&set=a.176630407865908)
Measured outcomes
No quantitative data was available regarding participation or skills development. However, the project’s five key outputs: a blended training course, an online tool bank, a digital book, cultural geocaching routes, and training guidelines, demonstrate increased engagement of older adults in lifelong learning and improved capacity of educators to work with diverse learner profiles across six European countries.
Challenges and lessons learned
The COMPASS project documentation does not explicitly detail obstacles encountered during implementation. An inferred lesson learned was the importance of leveraging cultural identity and memory as motivational tools. By actively involving older learners in the co-creation of digital books and cultural geocaching routes, the project demonstrated how participatory methods can increase engagement and foster social inclusion.
- CountryCroatia Germany Italy Latvia Portugal Spain
- SectorCreativity and culture Education and pedagogy
- Target groupAdult educators Seniors
Leading organisation
Kreisvolkshochschule Norden (Germany) and University of Aveiro, through UNAVE – Association for Professional Training and Research at the University of Aveiro
Date
2020, 2022
Key stakeholders
• Project consortium
Kreisvolkshochschule Norden (Germany) -Coordinator-, DomSpain (Spain), Zini Foundation (Latvia), Dante (Croatia), Polygonal (Italy), UNAVE & University of Aveiro (Portugal)
Kreisvolkshochschule Norden (Germany) -Coordinator-, DomSpain (Spain), Zini Foundation (Latvia), Dante (Croatia), Polygonal (Italy), UNAVE & University of Aveiro (Portugal)
Number of beneficiaries
The COMPASS project was implemented in 6 European countries and involved a wide range of adult educators and older learners. Throughout the project, 5 multiplier events were held with a total of 193 participants, and a face-to-face training course for adult educators was conducted in July 2022 with 18 participants. Additionally, 6 groups of older learners were established in partner countries to collaboratively develop materials for the project's digital book. These activities, alongside informal learning groups and users who tested the virtual cultural routes, resulted in the direct involvement of over 200 individuals. The project successfully reached both educators and older adults aged 50+, fostering motivation for language learning through cultural narratives and accessible digital tools. (https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2020-1-DE02-KA204-007391)
