On March 31, 2025, Training 2000 organized a national focus group dedicated to the Erasmus+ project “STEP – Senior Tutoring – Educator Professionalization.” The meeting brought together professionals and representatives from public and private organizations involved in providing services for active aging and supporting adults over 60, including psychologists, welfare and social services decision-makers, digital facilitators, and sector experts.
Sharing Experiences on Lifelong Learning for Learners Over 60
After introducing the STEP project, the discussion focused on participants’ experiences, where each shared needs, challenges, and effective methodologies and tools in adult learning. The various projects and initiatives presented demonstrated how individual stories can positively influence motivation and engagement among adults in the educational process.
In the second part of the meeting, attention shifted to essential competencies for educators working with learners over 60. The motivational role of educators and the effectiveness of peer mentoring as a support and growth tool for adult learners over 60 were highlighted. The importance of valuing each participant’s unique experiences and abilities was also emphasized.
Support and Resources for Adult Educators
The focus group revealed the need to provide specific resources to support educators, such as sharing platforms, open educational resources, and local best practices. Collecting information on existing projects in the area was deemed beneficial to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of educational interventions, promoting collaboration among various initiatives.
Next Steps
The focus group organized by Training 2000 served as a crucial opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in educating adults over 60. Sharing experiences, ideas, and practical solutions helped lay the groundwork for developing the STEP Methodological Handbook and Curriculum for adult educators, while also strengthening the support network among professionals. This collaborative approach promotes active aging and social inclusion.
