A teacher's role is to educate students by sharing knowledge and helping them develop essential skills. A coach, in contrast, provides support and motivation through active listening, thoughtful questioning, and presenting challenges. While these roles may appear distinct, integrating coaching methods into teaching could greatly enhance a teacher’s ability to inspire and engage students. This concept was fundamental during the new edition of the course “Emotional intelligence and coaching inside the school and educational context” that took place in Bologna from 19/01/2025 - 25/01/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Anya Pålsson, Kanarya Veleva, Alba Mayorga, and Ingrid Dageson from Komvux LUND in Sweden. Also Merilin Nigumann from Saku Gümnaasium in Estonia. The training program began with an introduction to the fundamental principles of coaching, focusing on how these techniques can be applied to personal growth and self-improvement. Participants explored various practical tools to "coach" themselves, gaining insights into their own strengths, resources, and areas for development. Through reflective exercises, they examined strategies for increasing self-awareness and finding balance in different aspects of their lives. This initial session set the stage for understanding coaching as a process that fosters personal and professional growth.
A structured approach to questioning was introduced through the GROW model, a widely used coaching framework that helps individuals set and achieve goals. This model encourages learners to explore their current reality, consider various options, and establish a clear course of action. Alongside this, conflict management strategies were discussed, focusing on the role of self-awareness and emotional control in preventing and resolving conflicts. Participants learned that conflicts do not always have to lead to negative outcomes; when managed effectively, they can foster personal growth and improved relationships. Instead of providing direct solutions, educators were encouraged to guide students through conflict analysis and decision-making processes, helping them develop problem-solving skills. The final part of the training emphasized the use of coaching tools to encourage positive communication, both within oneself and in interactions with students. Participants examined techniques for fostering a supportive classroom atmosphere where students feel heard, valued, and motivated. The discussions and practical exercises throughout the program reinforced the idea that coaching is not just about offering guidance but about empowering individuals to find their own answers and develop confidence in their abilities. Throughout the training, participants had the opportunity to share experiences and perspectives, gaining valuable insights from diverse cultural backgrounds. This collaborative exchange enhanced the learning process, allowing for a deeper understanding of how coaching principles can be integrated into various educational settings. By the end of the program, participants had acquired a set of practical tools to apply coaching techniques effectively, improving both their teaching practices and their personal development. Discover more about this course here.
During these past years, traditional education had to leave space for virtual lessons. Because of this, we had to adapt and think about a new way to teach and learn remotely. In this case, using new technologies, digital tools, and interactive learning platforms proved to be a winning strategy. These technologies allowed teachers all over the world to maintain an engaging and dynamic environment in virtual classes. The same tools demonstrated their utility inside a real classroom as well, especially when it came to capturing students’ attention and enthusiasm. |
During this course, participants explored a wide range of technological tools and learned how to incorporate them effectively into their teaching strategies. These tools are valuable not only for boosting engagement and motivation but also for tracking progress in areas such as vocabulary acquisition, communication, and independent learning. The course offered numerous hands-on activities, allowing participants to experiment with these tools directly. For example, they participated in a live quiz while learning how to design interactive language quizzes using web-based applications. Flashcards, for instance, were highlighted as an effective way to enhance vocabulary and spelling skills. |
Participants were introduced to various web platforms for creating language-focused presentations. They had the opportunity to develop and showcase their own projects in a supportive and stimulating environment, equipping them to apply these methods in their classrooms. Additionally, the course covered tools that help organize and summarize lesson content, prepare grammar presentations, ask questions, and maintain students’ focus, particularly useful in the current era of remote learning. Platforms for creating worksheets and instructional videos were also explored, making it easy to produce engaging teaching materials. Participants also delved into tools like digital whiteboards for collaborative work, applications for interactive presentations, and resources for creating quizzes and video lessons tailored to language teaching. |
Working effectively in a team is often a challenging endeavor. Diverse personalities, miscommunications, and undefined roles can all disrupt group harmony and decrease productivity. To address these challenges, the objective of this course was to provide participants with a range of skills to enhance teamwork efficiency while fostering a positive and collaborative workplace environment. By engaging in this course, participants gained valuable insights into becoming more effective team leaders and members, whether working within classrooms or professional environments.
This course, titled “Effective Group Management in education: building Teamwork among students” was held in Tenerife from 12/01/2025 to 18/01/2025. This event brought together a diverse group of educators from across Europe, including Krista Unt from Tallinn 21st School in Estonia; Giuseppe Gennaro, Patrizia Zummo, and Grazia Valenti from I.C. Luigi Capuana in Italy; and Kaoutar Nidam from NIA in Italy as well.
Throughout the course, participants explored various facets of teamwork and leadership. The journey began by examining the distinction between a group and a team. Participants learned that not all groups can be classified as teams, as a defining characteristic of a team is its shared objective. This realization emphasized the importance of prioritizing the common goal, a key principle for any team leader. Participants were also introduced to the different developmental stages of a team and the unique characteristics of each phase. Understanding these stages equips leaders with strategies to navigate potential conflicts and challenges effectively.
The second focus of the course centered on the critical role of team roles. Through interactive group exercises, participants experienced the challenges of working without clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This lack of clarity often leads to confusion, miscommunication, and unnecessary tension, ultimately wasting valuable time and leaving team members uncertain about their contributions. By addressing this, participants gained practical tools to establish clear roles and foster a sense of purpose within their teams.
Midway through the week, the course shifted focus to the essentials of effective leadership and the importance of having empathy. Participants discovered that successful leadership requires adaptability and an in-depth understanding of both individual strengths and the dynamics of the group. The course underscored that there isn’t a single “right” way to lead; instead, various leadership style that can be applied depending on the situation and the team’s needs.The class explored the basics of coaching, learning to use a growth mindset approach to motivate their teams and sustain a positive atmosphere.
One of the final topics covered was the implementation of peer feedback and peer assessment strategies in the classroom. Peer learning empowers students to take an active role in their education, emphasizing the learning process over grades. Participants engaged in activities that allowed them to experience these strategies from a student’s perspective, enhancing their understanding and ability to apply these techniques effectively in their classrooms.
The week concluded on a high note, with participants reflecting on the wealth of knowledge, practical tools, and best practices they had gained. The atmosphere throughout the course was dynamic andcollaborative, with plenty of opportunities for networking and cultural exchange. Each participant left with a refreshed perspective and a toolkit of strategies they can confidently implement in their educational settings.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment. It was a pleasure to share this journey with such passionate and dedicated educators. We are confident that the skills and experiences gained during this week will have a lasting impact on their classrooms and professional lives.
More info on this course here.
This concept was central to the recent edition of the course " Coaching skills for teachers, school and adult education staff", held in Tenerife from 12/01/2025 to 18/01/2025. Participants from various corners of Europe came together for the training, bringing a rich blend of perspectives. Among them were Friederike and Sabine from Europaschule am Friedenspark in Germany, and Sandra from Berufliche Oberschule Wasserburh also in Germany; Merris from Tallin 21st School in Estonia; Dercia and Herminia representing Exemplos Sábios in Portugal; Zulfija, Birgita, and Kristina from Šiaulių sporto gimna in Lithuania.
Coaching, on the other hand, is about empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. To build coaching skills, participants learned how to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. They practiced crafting these goals to improve both personal and professional development.
This week-long training allowed participants to share experiences, learn from diverse cultural perspectives, and enhance their coaching skills while discovering how to implement them effectively in their classrooms.
Learn more about this course here
The new edition of the course “Integrating ICT and new technologies into teaching and education” took place in Bologna from 12/01/2025 - 18/01/2025The participants came from all across Europe, with Claudia Friesecke and Kristiane Karlovic from Steinbeisschule Stuttgart (Germany), Primož Potočnik and Črtomir Čelan from Knjižnica Ivana Potrča Ptuj (Slovenia), Ana Paula Barbosa Samarão, Cristina Maria Pereira Cândido and Maria Manuela Antunes Teixeira from Agrupamento de Escolas Emídio Navarro (Portugal), Paula Saastamoinen and Hanna Sova from OSAO (Finland), Paolo Pozzi from OŠ DANTE ALIGHIERI IZOLA (Slovenia), Bartosz Juzyk from Poznan University of Medical Sciences (Poland).
During this course, the participants learnt how to use a vast range of technological tools and to put them into use by integrating them into their teaching methods.
On the following day, the focus shifted to tools for creating interactive presentations and video lessons. Such tools are highly effective for teaching and can serve various purposes: preparing multimedia content, introducing a new subject, or summarizing an old one. Video presentations, in particular, are extremely helpful for energizing students and capturing their attention.
Midweek, participants dove into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, including the use of ChatGPT. This session offered insights into how AI can support teaching by generating ideas, creating engaging content, and enhancing overall classroom interaction.
The final day was dedicated to exploring tools that integrate AI, focusing on how these can transform classroom practices. These advanced tools allow teachers to enhance creativity, improve efficiency, and support personalized learning experiences.
Throughout the course, participants also engaged in hands-on activities such as creating social media content, organizing graphics, designing posters and collages, and much more. These practical experiences allowed them to dive into the technological world and discover tools that make learning more dynamic.
Discover more about this course here.
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