iMech+: Innovating MECHanics and mechatronics teaching methodologies for an inclusive VET

<< Background >>The main objective of the project was to share the partners' good practices and to develop reports in the following areas: 1) update training curricula and programs of study to equip students with the skills required by advanced manufacturing, especially in the fields of mechanics and mechatronics; 2) have more teaching methodologies to support students with special needs and to teach in multicultural classrooms; 3) increase the international dimension of training and learning. All this is based on a context of continuing social, demographic, cultural, economic, scientific, environmental and technological changes that are impacting the world of education and training and changing the role of teachers and trainers, their responsibilities and expectations of them. As a result schools must constantly adapt their curricula to prepare students to succeed in future jobs, some of which are not yet known, while at the same time transmitting key skills that are necessary for their personal growth and well-being. Particularly for young people with fewer opportunities. << Objectives >>The general objective of the iMech+ project was to improve the quality of vocational education and training through: 1) Upgrading teachers' skills in technical subjects related to Industry 4.0 such as: mechanics, mechatronics and automation; 2) Raising awareness among vocational education and training staff about inclusion strategies for students with fewer opportunities; 3) Improving the internationalization strategies of Vocational Training Centers and Schools involved and the quality of student learning mobility.<< Implementation >>The activities carried out with the IMech project were: 1) Training event on innovative methodologies for teaching technology and Industry 4.0; 2) Training event on inclusion strategies to support students with fewer opportunities; 3) Training event on internationalization strategies in VET; 4) Meetings of the Project coordinators' group to prepare the events and to evaluate their outcomes; 5) Activities carried out in the Vocational Training Centers and partner schools for the preparation of good practices to be presented and for the experimentation in the ordinary activity of the centers of some of those learned in the events; 6) Preparation of the On-line Course on Internationalization; 7) Preparation of the final collection of documents that will be disseminated. IMech+ achieved its objectives by producing three outcomes based on the partners' experiences and discussion following the exchange of practices that will be made available to all the operators in the field in Europe and elsewhere. << Results >>The three outcomes of the project are: 1) an online collection of good practices regarding teaching methodologies on three themes: industry 4.0, inclusion, and internationalization. The collection consists of practices shared by partners during the all Project; 2) a training methodology for teachers based on the concept of “learning by doing,” made up of modules with the purpose of improving their teaching skills on industry 4.0, inclusion and internationalization. The training modules that make up the training methodology were tested during trainings and then in regular activities in the Centers and Schools; 3) an E-Learning course on internationalization: an online course was created to teach school and Vocational Training Center staff how to set up an internationalization strategy and how to plan and manage transnational projects. The results were developed through a research activity that examined good practices implemented in their local contexts. The products were tested before final release, and an online dissemination webinar was conducted among practitioners in Europe and South America.