Connecting Ideas, Skills, and People

by Marc Vézina
Novembre 2024

The  8th Journée pédagogique nationale en formation professionnelle (JPNFP) took place on November 8, 2024, in Victoriaville, offering a rich day of professional enrichment for educators, consultants, administrators, and stakeholders in vocational training. Organized by the Conseil pédagogique interdisciplinaire du Québec (CPIQ), this event, themed Updating My Professional Skills – Ideas and Courses of Action, featured over 50 workshops, three major conferences, and a forum on vocational training realities.

The event opened with the forum My Reality, Let’s Talk About It!, fostering dialogue on challenges and innovations in the vocational sector. Workshops spanned a broad spectrum of topics, from enhancing cybersecurity skills in the face of evolving digital threats to integrating artificial intelligence into vocational classrooms.

Seven workshops were offered in English. Sessions such as Teacher Leadership for Psychological Safety emphasized strategies to cultivate trust and communication in classrooms, while Connect with Students Using Teacher Personal Stories offered insights into using personal narratives to build rapport and engagement. A session on Positive Mental Health highlighted the role of emotional resilience and empathy in fostering educational success.

This year’s event also showcased innovative professional development projects, such as a detailed account of the RTC Electromechanics department’s journey to develop more effective student assessment methods. These sessions reflected the event’s overarching goal: equipping vocational educators with updated competencies to meet the evolving needs of learners and society.

RÉCIT VT consultants James Burn and Marc Vézina participated in the presentation of three workshops. “Enhancing Cyber Defense Skills in a Rapidly Evolving Digital World” provided attendees with practical strategies to counter cyber threats in an increasingly interconnected landscape. “Digital Tools for Inclusive Education: Enhancing Your Professional Toolkit”, led by James and Lucie Tremblay (SÉC), empowered educators to embrace diversity through universal design principles and accessible teaching materials. Finally, Chelsea Thomson (WICC) and Marc introduced participants to “Integrating AI in the Vocational Classroom”, offering hands-on experience with generative AI tools and brainstorming sessions for practical applications. These workshops underscored RÉCIT VT’s commitment to fostering innovation and adaptability in vocational education.

JPNFP 2024 reaffirmed its reputation as Quebec’s premier professional development gathering for vocational training. It combined practical insights with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and inspiration, making it an unmissable occasion for those passionate about shaping the future of vocational education.

(Artificial intelligence was used to write and edit this text for clarity, coherence and phrasing.)

(Image source: JPNFP)