Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (24 February, 2010) – Vocational school #18 hosted professors from Akershus University College, Dr. Ronny Sannerud and Dr. Tore Melby, last week where the latter conducted a two-week educational capacity building workshop for teachers from three vocational schools in Bishkek. The workshop was on The Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Cooperative Learning and organized in the framework of the UNDP Vocational Education for Street Children Project funded by the Government Norway.
The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults.
Akershus University College, Norway became one of the key Project partners since the launch of the Project in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2007. A significant amount of work focused on building teachers capacities, improving infrastructure and creating favorable conditions for living and training, strengthening linkages between schools and private sector, and finally making sure that voices of children are heard through encouraging participation of street children was done in collaboration with Norwegian partners. A number of training materials were developed and successfully applied in schools, teachers had an opportunity to visit Norwegian vocational schools and see how vocational education system works in Norway and learn best practices.
All efforts of the Project involve Rehabilitation Groups in three vocational schools in Bishkek where street children along with other vulnerable children have short-term professional courses to address their immediate needs.
UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.
Learn more from Aida Mambetkulova at 391824 or intern@prp.undp.kg
