Lifelong Training for Social Education Professionals: A Needs Analysis

Abstract

This article analyses the lifelong training needs of social education professionals and reflects on the role of the university in this type of training. We present the findings of research conducted at the University of Girona to identify the aforementioned continuous training needs. This study, which employs a questionnaire as its basic instrument, aims to reveal the discrepancies currently existing between the perceptions of professionals in the field and what would constitute a desirable situation with regard to training. This article presents the main results obtained in relation to professionals’ evaluation of their work tasks and functions and perceived training needs. Results indicate the need for the profession to be brought up to date and the demand for instruments and resources to improve action in social education in aspects related to the following areas: interpersonal skills and support in reflection and self-assessment in professional practice, needs analysis and the construction of appropriate personalised responses to said needs through the creation of programmes aimed at both individuals and the community, time management, and supervision of students participating in work experience programmes. The university presents itself as a suitable context for organising long-term and highly specialised lifelong training programmes.