Module 5: Project Management

Short description of module

Managing an international project in a school can be a challenge for many teachers. School partnerships may fail due to intercultural misunderstandings. These can often be traced back to different styles of project management.

This module aims to set out some basic concepts and systems that can be adopted by teachers in any education system or school phase. This systematic approach to international project management tends to build on skills, knowledge and competences that are already embedded into the experience and practice of most teachers.
The module covers the planning and organisation phases of a project but also gives some support for dissemination, community involvement and evaluation – elements that are often neglected in international school partnerships.

There is one core presentation since there is a body of knowledge to be imparted, but the module also encourages teachers to reflect on their management styles and to interact with, and learn from others. By the end of the module participants should be more aware of their existing skills as teachers in project management and understand how these can be enhanced by the materials and activities generated by this project.

Topics an d learning outcomes

1. Principles of project management:
At the end of the module participants
Understand some basic project management terminology and theory. Appreciate the value of management systems to school based projects. Know how to access information on relevant aspects of project management

2. Reporting and financial administration :
At the end of the module participants
Have knowledge of a range of evidence gathering techniques. Understand how to assemble evidence into a report
Understand how financial accounts can help in project management and where they can find useful tools

3. Evaluation of international projects :
At the end of the module participants
Appreciate the role of evaluation in helping to ensure the quality and overall impact of a project
Are familiar with a wide range of monitoring and evaluation techniques and know which ones are applicable to particular contexts
Understand the role of an external evaluator or ‘critical friend’

4. Involving local communities in a project:
At the end of the module participants
Understand the positive role of the student community and the wider community in supporting and sustaining school partnerships
Can adapt case studies of community involvement to their own situation
Understand what constitutes a good school partnership and how the outcomes can be disseminated

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.