The Estonian piloting phase of the SkillVista project tested the Visual Methodology Mastery Kit (v1) alongside selected SkillsVista digital platform modules within a real adult education setting. The initiative focused on strengthening soft skills among vulnerable adult learners through structured visual thinking tools and experiential learning.
The pilot was implemented in an adult education environment using a learner-centred, practice-based approach.
Participants:
5 adult educators
15 vulnerable adult learners
Sessions were delivered in person and followed a structured 45-minute format. Activities integrated the Visual Methodology MasterKit with selected SkillsVista platform components, ensuring alignment between visual and digital learning experiences.
The programme targeted key social and employability-related competencies, including:
Communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Emotional awareness and stress management
Time management
Workplace behaviour and professional interaction
These skills were developed through real-life scenarios, guided reflection, and practical exercises designed to mirror workplace situations.
The following digital components were tested:
Scenario-based simulations
Social skills exercises
Self-management and time planning tasks
Emotional awareness tools
Workplace communication scenarios
The integration of visual and digital methods reinforced experiential learning and strengthened skill transfer to real-world contexts.
To ensure accessibility for vulnerable learners, several adaptations were introduced:
Simplified language in worksheets
Increased use of icons and visual cues
Adjusted pacing where necessary
Step-by-step guidance during role-plays
Additional support for learners with lower confidence
This flexible structure allowed educators to adapt sessions according to participants’ language proficiency, attention span, and emotional readiness.
Self-assessment results demonstrated measurable improvement across all targeted soft skills:
| Skill Area | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2.9 | 4.1 | +1.2 |
| Teamwork | 3.0 | 4.0 | +1.0 |
| Problem-solving | 2.8 | 3.9 | +1.1 |
| Adaptability | 3.1 | 4.0 | +0.9 |
| Emotional Intelligence | 3.0 | 4.2 | +1.2 |
Participants reported:
Increased confidence in self-expression
Greater awareness of emotional triggers
Improved situation analysis skills
Stronger recognition of personal strengths
Higher engagement in group discussions
The Estonian pilot confirmed that visual thinking approaches:
Reduce anxiety in adult learning environments
Improve understanding of abstract concepts
Encourage participation among vulnerable learners
Support structured reflection
Strengthen practical application of soft skills
The combination of visual methodology and scenario-based learning proved highly effective in making soft skills concrete, accessible, and transferable to everyday and workplace contexts.
This project has been funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.