On June of 2023, the Pécs Project Meeting convened key members of the PDS project, along with stakeholders from across Europe, to discuss the ongoing expansion of the Professional Development Series (PDS) and its future direction. Held in the vibrant city of Pécs, Hungary, the meeting provided a forum for in-depth discussions about the successes of the project to date, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed moving forward.
A primary focus of the meeting was the adaptation and expansion of PDS to meet the needs of educators in different countries. Participants reviewed the feedback from the implementation of PDS in several countries, including Cyprus and Malta, and discussed how the content could be further tailored to specific regional needs. Additionally, the meeting explored the possibility of introducing new content areas within the PDS MOOCs, including modules on digital education strategies, sustainable teaching practices, and mental health awareness in adult education.
The meeting also addressed the growing demand for microcredentials as a way to recognize and validate the skills acquired through the PDS platform. This discussion is especially relevant given the increasing importance of microcredentials in the broader context of lifelong learning and professional development across Europe.
The Pécs Project Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to expanding the reach and impact of the PDS platform. With plans for new MOOCs and the continuous revision of existing content, PDS is well-positioned to support educators in their ongoing professional development, ensuring that adult education remains a cornerstone of European lifelong learning strategies.