A new publication for lead instructors also addresses Generation Alpha

The recent conference of lead instructors We Learn From Each Other brought, among other things, one interesting moment: the launch of the new book Partnerships in the Dual Education System by the trio of authors A. Wiegerová, D. Kravecová and R. Božik.

The publication, which is intended for lead instructors and instructors in the dual system, seeks to provide its readers with the broadest possible theoretical foundation in the area of pedagogical preparation. Instructors usually do not have such a background, which they often compensate for through awareness of their educational mission and their effort to make the educational process more attractive for their students.  

The purpose of the lead instructor's work is to guide the pupil and build a relationship with them. Their task is to determine expectations, explain the learning objective, demonstrate the individual steps, but also to express understanding, observe the pupil's behaviour, provide feedback and, of course, give recognition. 

“Today's preparation in an educational institution is, however, more complex than it used to be in the past. Not only because of the increasingly technically demanding environment and job description, but also because of the changing relationship of the student to their school and cooperation with the company. In this, an important role is played precisely by the lead instructor and the instructor, who also take over part of the educational process with the students,”explains Dominika Kravecová, one of the authors of the publication.  

The publication helps the instructor navigate among the generations of students, including Generation Alpha, which is only just arriving at secondary schools. This publication describes this generation as the first in Slovakia, which will also be appreciated by teachers outside dual education. It also gives the reader a thorough look behind the scenes of various types of assessment, communication with students, provides insight into their social dynamics, and on top of all this provides them with a kind of explanatory map that allows them to navigate safely through it all. 

This work does not attempt to replace missing pedagogical education. The book aims to give lead instructors in dual education firm ground under their feet, so that they can fulfil their mission of becoming guides for students in the world of professional work and thus prepare them for a fundamental part of their lives.  

“The expectations placed on lead instructors are indeed not small. They must understand that the pupil belongs to a different generation and accordingly seek a suitable language through which they can communicate with them,” adds Kravecová. Moreover, education takes place during puberty, when students undergo fundamental changes and their reactions vary. That is why it is also important which assessment tool the instructor chooses, in order to steer the young person positively, without losing sight of the fact that they themselves are a role model for the pupils in many areas. 

The publication will be received by all lead instructors who take part in the lead instructor training, and if you too are interested in it, contact the Association of Industrial Unions and Transport at the e-mail address kravecova@apzd.sk