Testimonials High Ability incompany

In 2021, Radboud International Training on High Ability (RITHA) and Edux joined forces to train professionals from primary and secondary education in the field of giftedness. This in-company collaboration brings together professionals from different organisations to work on the development of educational and guidance services for gifted and highly gifted students. What are the outcomes of this collaborative approach, as reported by the participants of the in-company training and partners involved?

Why a Collaboration Between Radboud International Training on High Ability (RITHA) and Edux?

The collaboration between RITHA and Edux leverages the unique strengths and methodologies of both organizations. Radboud University, through RITHA, has developed an innovative blended education model that fosters practical developments grounded in scientific research. This approach combines a digital learning environment with ample opportunities for mutual interaction and exchange, supplemented by in-person seminars. The result is a dynamic learning community where knowledge and experiences are shared, and a robust network is established that extends beyond the duration of the programme.

Edux places a strong emphasis on the professional development of individuals. Edux innovates by focusing on talent, change, and growth. Drawing on extensive expertise at the individual, team, and organizational levels, Edux empowers professionals through customized solutions. The facilitation of an in-company programme aligns seamlessly with this approach.

What are the outcomes according to the participants?

• The in-company method ensures that theoretical discussions can be promptly translated into practical applications. What is discussed today can be tested tomorrow within the schools.
• In addition to training professionals, this method also fosters the development of a regional educational network and educational programmes. 
• By addressing regional issues related to giftedness, participants establish a robust network of trained professionals who can continually engage in substantive discussions.
• The collective acquisition of knowledge and skills enhances support within an organization, extending beyond the training participants to other professionals. This broader base of support facilitates the implementation of new initiatives and strengthens the connection between theory and practice.

RITHA Practitioner

The professionals from the EDUX collaboration attended the in-company programme International Training on High Ability (RITHA) of Radboud University. 

Training hoogbegaafdheid (RITHA) 

In 2021, Radboud International Training on High Ability (RITHA) and PPO Rotterdam (NL) joined forces to train professionals from primary and secondary education in the field of giftedness.

In October 2021, a partnership combining primary and secondary institutions was initiated as part of the RITHA training, specifically with PPO Rotterdam and Koers VO. These two organisations work side by side in the pursuit of equal opportunities and optimal development opportunities for every child.

This group boasts a unique composition, broadly representing education in the Rotterdam region. In addition to primary and secondary education, it includes special primary education and special secondary education. Teachers and healthcare professionals collaborate to enhance expertise in giftedness and high intelligence. The focus is on aligning with the developmental needs of the target group from a scientific perspective and creating a suitable and continuous educational pathway. Central to this initiative are knowledge development, fostering connections, and exchanging best practices.

Reflection

According to Jeroen Naaktgeboren, driving force from PPO Rotterdam and ECHA Specialist, it is a nice, enthusiastic, active group that is ready to put the experiences from the training into practice. Jeroen indicates that the training is more than reading scientific literature and applying the acquired knowledge in practice. It is precisely the joint reflection and the strengthening of the connection between primary and secondary education - finding each other again - that for him is the added value of this in-company trajectory. According to Jeroen, this can be seen in various initiatives in the field of cooperation between secondary education and special secondary education, the development of peer groups and school-wide talent development.

Blended Education

The blended design of the programme allows participants to engage both in person during multi-day seminars and virtually through the digital learning environment. Online interactions, including asynchronous discussion forums and live webinars, offer participants the flexibility to exchange knowledge and experiences amidst their busy schedules. Participants, well-versed in a comprehensive range of scientific literature, use the discussion forums to explore various theories and, more importantly, their practical implications.

Implementation in Practice

The value of an in-company programme is clearly demonstrated through the substantive discussions that emerge from diverse perspectives, contexts, and practical experiences. This exchange broadens participants' horizons and fosters meaningful learning from one another. The integration of new practical insights with acquired knowledge results in well-developed solutions for practical assignments. By merging scientific knowledge with the passion and expertise of professionals, the programme creates a synergy that can be effectively applied to educational practice, extending its impact beyond the training period.

Tailor-made

The collaboration between RITHA and Edux has resulted in a tailor-made programme in the field of giftedness: depending on the state of affairs in the region, the set-up of the RITHA training can be adjusted. Customization options include the content of the modules, the option to complete the full training, and additional regional meetings. Before, during, and after the training, RITHA, Edux, and the driving forces from the partnership work together to facilitate and support the professionals from the schools participating in the programme. These driving forces are invited to participate in the seminars. The progress of the programme is periodically reviewed and coordinated with them. This allows for an optimal response to the needs of and the unique situation within the relevant partnership. By engaging the driving forces of the in-company programme, who maintain contact with the professionals after the training, the knowledge, skills, and milestones achieved are effectively secured in practice. In short, the development of both professionals and organizations does not stop after completing the training, but is actually strengthened and initiated.

About PPO

The mission of PPO Rotterdam (a collaboration to support appropriate primary education) is to offer all Rotterdam children a suitable place of education, as much as possible in their own neighbourhood. PPO Rotterdam strives to make all forms of education more inclusive and to prevent exclusion so that a suitable place of education is available for all Rotterdam children. PPO Rotterdam facilitates schools to realise this.

RITHA Practitioner

In cooperation with EDUX employees of PPO Rotterdam attended Block 1: Stimulating, Supporting, and Guiding Talent (12 weeks) of Radboud International Training on High Ability (RITHA).