Support for Development and Quality Education for Lifelong Learning and the University of the Third Age

As part of the Erasmus KA1 project, we successfully implemented a short-term project aimed at promoting the quality of education in lifelong learning courses and the University of the Third Age (U3A). The goal of the project was to innovate education through short-term staff mobility, as well as to promote cultural exchange, raise international awareness, and provide new opportunities for teachers, students, and the public.

In 2023, we also received accreditation in the field of adult education, which supports the process of sending employees and participants in continuing education and U3A programmes on international mobility programmes.

Since October 2023, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports has been accredited in the area of staff mobility for a period of five years, which will significantly facilitate the entire process of sending our staff abroad and will contribute significantly to innovation in teaching, education, and research. The project also aims to improve opportunities and conditions for participants in lifelong learning courses and the University of the Third Age, and to strengthen their international dimension.

We would like to share with you a few selected experiences of our employees who participated in mobility activities at partner universities in Europe as part of the Erasmus+ KA1 project. These mobility activities not only contribute to professional development and the sharing of know-how, but also promote international cooperation and the exchange of experiences in the fields of education, sports, and lifelong learning. Our faculty remains committed to providing equal opportunities for all participants and to strengthening an inclusive approach that embraces diversity and respect for different cultural and professional perspectives.

As part of our commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, Andrea Duchoňová visited the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice. Lifelong learning goes beyond the scope of formal education and includes opportunities for international mobility, knowledge exchange, and the development of professional skills.

During her visit, Andrea met a local research team, which had organized a three-day programme for her focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing. The first day included a tour of the university’s facilities, including the laboratories, and a discussion about opportunities for research partnerships.

The trip continued in the town of Ustroń, where Andrea presented the results of the study “Dietary Supplements Among Female Canoeists” at an international conference in Poland. Participating in academic exchanges and sharing research in the field of sports nutrition contributes to both personal and professional growth - which are the key principles of lifelong learning.

This mobility demonstrates how international cooperation fosters the development of expertise and innovation and strengthens the broader education and research community. Through its participation in international projects, our institution continues to support the development of skills and knowledge beyond the scope of traditional education.

As part of our commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, Veronika Kramperová participated in a job-shadowing internship at a ski course in Zieleniec, a Polish ski resort in the Orlické hory Mountains. The course was organized by the Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław and offered a unique opportunity to expand professional competencies beyond the scope of traditional education.

The programme included hands-on instruction in the basics of skiing, an analysis of various teaching methods and didactic approaches, and an introduction to the organization of ski courses in local conditions. This experience helped strengthen international cooperation and improve the quality of training for future educators in the field of physical activities in winter conditions.

The outcome was a valuable exchange of experiences in the areas of teaching methodology and course organization, the development of professional and language skills, and the establishment of cooperation for future exchange programmes. By participating in lifelong learning initiatives, educators can continually improve their teaching approaches and incorporate innovative methods into their work.

Alena Nessmithová and Věra Dušková participated in a job-shadowing programme at the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) in Budapest as part of International Partnership Day 2024. The goal of the visit was to strengthen the lifelong learning programme through the exchange of experiences and best practices in the field of sports education. The programme included a tour of the university campus, presentations on study programmes, and discussions on the socio-cultural aspects of sport in Hungary. Inspiring elements included courses such as “Sports Diplomacy” and “Professional English for Athletes,” which could also be implemented at their home institution. Through networking events, professional meetings, and a reception with the university’s rector, they focused on opportunities for international cooperation and project partnerships. Meeting with colleagues from sports institutions around the world allowed for the sharing of insights on educational activities, funding sources, and lifelong learning strategies, thereby reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development and international cooperation.

Michaela Gabrielová and Kateřina Ševčíková, along with participants from the University of the Third Age (U3V), visited the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Comenius University in Wrocław as part of a short-term mobility programme in the field of adult education. The purpose of the visit was to discuss lifelong learning programmes, exchange best practices, and explore opportunities for cooperation between the institutions. The programme included activities for U3V participants in the field of physical education and sports, emphasizing the importance of active aging. A key highlight was a tour of the Centre for Active Aging, where participants gained valuable insights into the centre’s funding model, interdisciplinary approach, and focus on preventing health problems. The discussions led to potential collaboration on student exchange programmes for U3V participants. The visit reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, intergenerational cooperation, and inclusive education, and laid the groundwork for future partnerships.

Andrea Duchoňová and Natálie Wolfová led a group mobility programme at the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) in Hungary, in which participants from the University of the Third Age (U3V) took part. The visit was part of a short-term mobility project in the field of adult education focused on lifelong learning and international cooperation.

The programme included physical education and sports activities for U3A participants, highlighting the importance of active aging. The group toured the university facilities and participated in workshops focused on adult education, intergenerational cooperation, and the integration of sports into lifelong learning programmes. The visit also explored future opportunities for cooperation between the two institutions.

This experience reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, promoted intergenerational exchange and inclusive education, and laid the groundwork for future partnerships.