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It is not always easy to keep the classroom motivated, engaged and enthusiastic when it comes to teaching. This is when ICT tools such as apps and web platforms become essential in helping teachers to communicate and transfer knowledge while also maintaining their students’ full attention. Nowadays it is fundamental to know our way around interactive learning so that we can offer our students an alternative and non-traditional style of learning and keep them engaged. The new edition of the course “Integrating ICT and new technologies into teaching and education” took place in Bologna from 23/02/2025 - 01/03/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Irina Furedi, Irina-Eleonora Zaharia, Botezatu Vasilica-Leana, Teodora Cozma, Corina Dan and Mihaela Bănică from Romania, Barbara Ufnal - Budzyła, Iwona Skórska, Agnieszka Pawelec, Monika Staszczak and Małgorzata Moroz from Poland, Dalia Garbinčienė and Marius Jonaitis from Lithuania.  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 first day, the participants got to know each other through various activities and shared their expectations for the course. After that, they explored interactive and collaborative boards, which enabled them to start sharing best practices. These tools foster engagement and provide a platform for teachers to create dynamic and collaborative learning experiences. On the following day, the focus shifted to tools for creating interactive presentations, surveys and group-based quizzes. Participants also received an overview of video based tools and explored digital applications for the educational field. The tools mentioned are highly effective for teaching and can serve various purposes, such as preparing multimedia content, introducing a new subject, or summarizing an old one. Video presentations, in particular, are useful for engaging students and capturing their attention. Midweek, the group worked with tools designed to create engaging quizzes, emphasizing their use in the formative assessment of both individual and group tasks. Practical activities included experimenting with virtual quizzes to make assessments both fun and educational for students. On the fourth day, participants delved into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, including the use of ChatGPT. The session began with a brainstorming activity followed by a debate about AI usages in the educational field. It provided insights and hands-on practice on how AI can support teaching by generating ideas, creating engaging content, and enhancing overall classroom interaction. The final day was dedicated to a workshop where participants practiced and created materials using the tools explored throughout the course. They were also introduced to digital worksheets with time for both presentation and practical application.  Throughout the course, participants gained hands-on experience with a wide variety of digital tools to enhance the teaching-learning process. Through interactive activities and discussions, they explored innovative ways to engage students, assess learning and integrate AI into educational environments.
This course enabled participants to exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences. They left with new knowledge of interactive learning and a fresh set of tools, ready to implement them in their classrooms. There is no doubt that this approach will boost students’ creativity, engagement, attention, and motivation, transforming learning into a fun and dynamic activity! Discover more about this course here. As educators, our ultimate goal is to support our students in becoming successful, well-rounded individuals—equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to thrive in today’s world. In our increasingly diverse and multicultural society, fostering diversity and tolerance in the classroom has become more essential than ever. Promoting empathy and open-mindedness not only benefits individual learners but also contributes to a more inclusive and respectful society as a whole. The latest edition of the course “Diversity in the Classroom: Teaching Tolerance and Overcoming Prejudices and Discrimination” was held in Porto from February 23rh to March 01th, 2025. Participants represented a wide spectrum of European schools and institutions, including Silvana Glorioso, Francesca, Gaspare and Amelia from I.C. Luigi Capuanain Italy; Evangelia and Pagoni from Primary school of Nea Karvali in Greece ; Marcos and Isidro from CEIP Federico Maicas; Sylwia, Agnieszka and Aneta from Szkoła Podstawowa nr 1 w Tarnowie, and Sarah and Jennifer from Kaufmännische Schulen Rheine. The course began with an exploration of identity. Participants engaged in a hands-on activity where they drew self-portraits—one half reflecting their outward appearance, and the other representing their inner values and personal characteristics. This exercise sparked insightful conversations about how our identities shape the way we perceive the world and others. We then delved into the complexities of cultural diversity, reflecting on challenges and opportunities in promoting it within education. A thought-provoking TED Talk encouraged us to shift our perspective from asking “Where are you from?” to “Where are you local?”—highlighting how identity is shaped by cultural context and personal experience rather than just nationality. Understanding stereotypes was a crucial element of the course. We examined their origins, both harmful and seemingly neutral, and analyzed their influence on our thinking and behavior. Through storytelling exercises, we explored how stereotypes can evolve into judgments and ultimately lead to discrimination. A particularly powerful segment focused on awareness and respect. Participants examined how their personal "lenses"—shaped by identity and values—affect their understanding of reality. Engaging in simulations and critical thinking tasks, we uncovered how culture and values continuously influence one another. The theme of belonging was also addressed. Through the “geese exercise,” participants experienced the emotional impact of exclusion and the effort required to genuinely include others. The activity offered insights into different leadership styles and group dynamics. The course concluded with an emphasis on empathy. We explored the role of emotions in human interaction and encouraged teachers to place themselves in others’ shoes. Developing emotional awareness and learning to express feelings is vital for both educators and students in building healthy, inclusive learning environments.
Overall, the week was filled with rich learning experiences, practical activities, meaningful discussions, and emotional connection. It was a valuable opportunity for professional growth and personal reflection, reinforcing the importance of diversity, empathy, and respect in today’s classrooms. Discover more about this course here. Bullying, whether in-person or online, has significant consequences for the victims but also for those who engage in such behaviors. Addressing this issue within educational settings is essential to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. This course was designed to equip educators with the necessary strategies to prevent and combat all forms of bullying in schools. The new edition of the course “How to stop bullying and cyber bullying in schools and promote social emotional learning” took place in Tenerife from 23/02/2025 to 01/03/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Anna Maria De Benedetti and Francesca Tritico from I.C. Luigi Capuana in Italy, Kim Claes from WICO in Belgium, Ere Rekker-Mägi and Teri Voomets from Kääpa Kool in Estonia, Jelena Blagojevic and Dijana Tabak from Europaschule am Friedenspark, Hemer in Germany, Ann Goethals from Margareta Maria Instituut in Belgium
We started with our introduction day where we brainstormed all the different kind of bullying behaviours: which forms does it takes? Who are the participants of a bullying scenario? Which are the three main elements which distinguish bullying from conflict?
One of the main and most difficult types of bullying to be eradicated is cyber bullying. Nowadays Internet has a major role in the lives of our kids and may have a negative impact on them. However, it also has some positive sides. With some practical activities we explored the world of cyber bullying. We also discussed about the differences between traditional and cyber bullying and about the things that they have in common. To understand and put ourselves in the shoes of bullying victims we implemented a very powerful activity which can be used both with students, parents and teachers to raise awareness.  Maintaining student motivation and engagement can often pose a challenge in traditional teaching environments. This is where ICT tools, including apps and online platforms, play a crucial role in enhancing communication and knowledge delivery while keeping students’ attention focused. In today’s educational landscape, it is vital for teachers to become proficient in interactive learning methods, offering students innovative and non-traditional ways to stay engaged.
 During this course the participants learnt how to use a vast range of technological tools and to put them into use by integrating it into their teaching methods.
During these past two years traditional education had to leave space to virtual lessons and online classes. Therefore it was inevitable for this course to also explore the applications useful to hold an online class such as a virtual whiteboard that can create engaging and captivating online lessons and also collaborative learning experiences.  This course allowed participants to confront themselves with each other and learn from their shared experiences. The participants left this course with a new knowledge of interactive learning and a new set of tools, ready to use them in their classrooms. There is no doubt that this approach will increase the students’ creativity, engagement, attention and motivation and help transform learning into a fun and dynamic activity!
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The latest edition of the course “Green Skills for Education: Promoting Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Actions in the Classroom” took place inTenerife from 09/02/2025 to 15/02/2025, welcoming participants from different countries. Heli from from Helsingin Medialukio in Finland, Sabrina and Eva from Schule Für ErwachseneOsthessen in Germany, Ann and Leen from Immaculata Instituut in Belgium, Ana, Inácio and Joaquim from Agrupamento de EscolasSeverim de Faria in Portugal and Dóra from Barcsi Széchényi Ferenc GimnáziumésKollégium in Hungary.
The week began by exploring what constitutes Green Skills and why they are vital in today’s society. On the first day, participants reflected on key terms within the “green vocabulary,” including the concept of sustainability and sustainable development. And later, the focus shifted to greenwashing, where participants discovering the ideas to distinguish genuinely sustainable products from those falsely marketed as “green.”
Another major topic was the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants discussed the seven SDGs most closely related to environmental sustainability. They
also learned that all activities, games, and theoretical sessions during the course were directly tied to specific SDGs, demonstrating how these goals can be integrated into classroom learning.
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Throughout the course, participants experienced first-hand how even small actions can make a big
difference. They explored engaging ways to involve both young students and adults in sustainable
practices. Activities encouraged reflection on critical issues such as global warming, carbon footprints, and consumerism.
Two days of the course were dedicated to non-formal methods for teaching about climate change.
Participants practiced outdoor activities designed to nurture a deeper connection with nature among students, as well as methods to foster creativity and engagement. Additionally, they explored Project-Based Learning (PBL) as a strategy to promote a greener mindset in the classroom.
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A significant part of the course focused on incorporating ICT tools to enhance engagement while
minimizing waste, aligning with the program’s daily green practices. These tools proved invaluable
in supporting activities that encourage participation and sustainable habits.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the course was the opportunity for participants to exchange
best practices. Teachers shared their experiences in fostering sustainability, drawing inspiration
from one another’s projects and activities. By the end of the week, participants left Tenerife with
smiles on their faces, new knowledge in their minds, and hearts full of meaningful experiences.
Discover more about this course here.
We are currently living in a critical moment in history, where the issues of climate change and environmental sustainability can no longer be ignored. Since the future generations will face the consequences of our environmental actions, it's crucial for educators to find ways to include these topics into their classes. Furthermore, it's essential to approach these discussions in a way that encourages hope and the possibility of positive change, rather than a sense of despair.
This new course “Green skills for education: promoting environmental awareness and sustainable actions in the classroom”, took place in Palermo from 09/02/2025 to 15/02/2025, with 7 participants from 3 different countries: Suzana Mihelcic, Marijana Zarozinski and Marta Zivatovic from Industrijsko-obrtnickaskolaSlavonskiBrod in Croatia, Mignon Bellato and Vian Liu from Hans-Leipelt School FOS/BOS in Germany and Miguel Sánchez Ruiz and Manuel Didac Carretero González from IES San José in Spain.
At the start of the week, we focused on what are known as Green Skills and their importance in today's society. On the first day, our goal was to reflect on the terms that make up the green vocabulary, which included a discussion on Sustainability and sustainable development. The next day, we talked about the topic of Greenwashing, giving participants the opportunity to research brands from their own countries and distinguish between genuine sustainable products and those falsely marketed as "green".
Another main topic of the week was the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The 7 goals that are related to environmental sustainability were discussed in groups, which led the participants to the learning that every activity, game or theoretical topic of the course was specifically related to different SDGs.
During the course the participants gained experience in making a difference through small, impactful actions, while also exploring ways to engage both young students and adults in sustainable development. The activities they took part in provided an opportunity to reflect on issues such as global warming, carbon footprints, tipping points, consumerism, and other factors related to climate change.
Two days of the course were dedicated to talking about climate change in a non-formal way. In particular the participants spent time outdoors in order to learn about activities and methods that foster a greater love for nature in their students and encourage creativity and engagement. Moreover, the teachers discovered Project Based Learning as a tool that can help them promote a greener mindset.
A significant aspect of the course was finding a way that teachers can create more engagement while also reducing waste, which can be achieved by the use of ICT tools to enrich the activities. In this way classes can support our daily green practices.
Finally, one of the most valuable aspects of this course was the sharing of best practices. It gave participants the opportunity to share their own sustainability experiences and draw inspiration from projects and activities implemented by their colleagues. We’re happy that our participants left Palermo with big smiles, a lot of new knowledge, and hearts full of meaningful experiences!
Discover more about this course in: https://www.erasmustrainingcourses.com/green-skills.html
Nowadays, schools and educational programs are welcoming a wide variety of people whose socio-cultural backgrounds are very diverse. To help students adjust to a new cultural environment, on the one hand, and to model critical and open minds valuing and celebrating diversity rather than rejecting it, on the other, is one of the biggest challenges for teachers.
The new edition of the course “Intercultural learning and cultural diversity in the classroom” took place in Palermo from 09/02/2025 to 15/02/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Sylwia from Przedszkole Niepubliczne Misiolandia in Poland, Gabriele from Karl-Schiller-Berufskolleg in Germany, Tuula from Live-säätiö sr in Finland, Janko and Sandra from Center Gustava Šiliha Maribor in Slovenia, Pilar and Rocío from IES Politecnico de Vigo in Spain, Irini from Palouriotissa A Elementary School in Cyprus, Javier from IES Montes de Toledo also in Spain and last but not least, Maria, Rainier, Daniel and Nick from International school Laren in the Netherlands.
The new edition of the course “Intercultural learning and cultural diversity in the classroom” took place in Palermo from 09/02/2025 to 15/02/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Sylwia from Przedszkole Niepubliczne Misiolandia in Poland, Gabriele from Karl-Schiller-Berufskolleg in Germany, Tuula from Live-säätiö sr in Finland, Janko and Sandra from Center Gustava Šiliha Maribor in Slovenia, Pilar and Rocío from IES Politecnico de Vigo in Spain, Irini from Palouriotissa A Elementary School in Cyprus, Javier from IES Montes de Toledo also in Spain and last but not least, Maria, Rainier, Daniel and Nick from International school Laren in the Netherlands.
To kick off with the course, we started acknowledging the importance of reflecting on the meaning of words. The participants altogether tried to build an understanding of what “intercultural learning” means to them and explored the differences between “multicultural”, “cross-cultural” and “intercultural” to become more attentive in describing and interpreting the interaction of different cultures.
During the course delved into the exploration of the relation between culture and education. Participants got involved in some activities to become more aware of how cultures influence teaching and learning styles. The goal of the exercise was to think about the attention and sensitivity that teachers need when specific cultural patterns arise in the classroom.
Moreover, we also talked about the concept of identity as a first step to go deep into diversity. From a visual activity, our participants thought about their own identity and the relation that identity has with culture.
During the course delved into the exploration of the relation between culture and education. Participants got involved in some activities to become more aware of how cultures influence teaching and learning styles. The goal of the exercise was to think about the attention and sensitivity that teachers need when specific cultural patterns arise in the classroom.
Moreover, we also talked about the concept of identity as a first step to go deep into diversity. From a visual activity, our participants thought about their own identity and the relation that identity has with culture.
Next, participants engaged in different activities about stereotypes, such as storytelling. Altogether we discovered the meaning of the vicious cycle of stereotypes. They were invited to reflect about how stereotypes can convert into prejudices and discrimination, generating a vicious cycle that strengthens stereotypes. As put in an inspirational TED Talk we saw the video - “Show a people as one thing — as only one thing — over and over again, and that is what they become.”
Last but not least, we worked on the important topic of inclusion. First, participants have been involved in simulation activities to acknowledge and discuss the challenges of intercultural communication. The activities can help students question common assumptions while thinking about finding connections among different cultures. Another round of group exercises was performed around the concept of membership and empathy. The group challenges proposed can be adapted to different subject and classroom activities, allowing students to understand the importance for every member of the class to bring valuable contributions and to empathize with other classmates’ needs and diversities.
Last but not least, we worked on the important topic of inclusion. First, participants have been involved in simulation activities to acknowledge and discuss the challenges of intercultural communication. The activities can help students question common assumptions while thinking about finding connections among different cultures. Another round of group exercises was performed around the concept of membership and empathy. The group challenges proposed can be adapted to different subject and classroom activities, allowing students to understand the importance for every member of the class to bring valuable contributions and to empathize with other classmates’ needs and diversities.
Finally, one of the most valuable aspects of this course was the sharing of best practices. It gave participants the opportunity to share their own intercultural experiences and draw inspiration from projects and activities implemented by their colleagues.
Discover more about this course here.
Discover more about this course here.
The world of childhood and preschool education is in constant development, and for preschool teachers, it is crucial to keep up with new trends and stay on top of what’s current. This training course for preschool teachers will be a starting point for exploring the main principles, features, and benefits of the best preschool approaches.
The new edition of the course “The best for preschool teachers” took place in Bologna from 09/02/2025 15/02/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Francesca Agius, Mandy Farrugia, Charlene Bugeja, Jessica Farrugia, Josette Grech from St Ignatius College Siggiewi Primary School in Malta, Annie Skiadopoulou, Spyridoula Iseri from 1st Kindergarten of Corfu in Greece, Niamh Clancy, Bernadette Devine, Margaret Hunt , Beatrice Gaynor from Nurtures Best in Ireland.
The course began by exploring the Italian system of preschool education, providing teachers with a deeper understanding of its structure and principles. During this time, participants also had the opportunity to make school presentations, sharing insights from their own institutions, which helped create a broader perspective on the diverse educational practices in Europe.
The course began by exploring the Italian system of preschool education, providing teachers with a deeper understanding of its structure and principles. During this time, participants also had the opportunity to make school presentations, sharing insights from their own institutions, which helped create a broader perspective on the diverse educational practices in Europe.
A significant focus of the course was inclusive education, particularly the Italian inclusive model. Teachers were introduced to the strategies used within Italy to create inclusive environments that support all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners.
As part of the course, the group visited a Montessori school, where they had the opportunity to observe the principles in practice. This visit allowed them to see how the focus on child-centered learning is applied, with children encouraged to explore at their own pace. The school’s unique educational materials and carefully prepared environment provided further insight into how this approach fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning. By observing these principles in action, participants gained valuable perspectives that could inspire and inform their own teaching practices
As part of the course, the group visited a Montessori school, where they had the opportunity to observe the principles in practice. This visit allowed them to see how the focus on child-centered learning is applied, with children encouraged to explore at their own pace. The school’s unique educational materials and carefully prepared environment provided further insight into how this approach fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning. By observing these principles in action, participants gained valuable perspectives that could inspire and inform their own teaching practices
The next stop was Naturalmente Bambini, an outdoor school where participants saw children learning through play in natural environments. This experience highlighted the significance of Outdoor Education and the benefits of reconnecting children with the natural world. The teachers shared their experiences, emphasizing how outdoor learning nurtures creativity, physical health, and environmental awareness.
The course concluded with a visit to the Reggio Emilia approach, which is renowned for its innovative educational practices. At the International Center of Malaguzzi, teachers had the opportunity to explore exhibits focusing on the history, materials, and projects that are central to the Reggio Emilia philosophy. This visit offered a unique chance to dive deeper into this influential educational model, celebrated worldwide for its emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and the respect for children’s thoughts and ideas.
As the week came to an end, the teachers returned home, carrying a luggage full of memories and experiences, ready to integrate what they had learned into their own educational practices.
Discover more about this course here.
As the week came to an end, the teachers returned home, carrying a luggage full of memories and experiences, ready to integrate what they had learned into their own educational practices.
Discover more about this course here.
Nowadays we are living in a critical time in history where we cannot ignore the topics of climate change and environmental sustainability. Because the consequences of the state of the environment will be mainly faced by future generations, it is essential that teachers learn how to bring out these matters inside the classroom. Moreover, it is even more important to learn how to address these topics, encouraging a sense of possibility of change rather than despair.
This new course “Green skills for education: promoting environmental awareness and sustainable actions in the classroom” took place in Bologna from 09/02/2025 to 15/02/2025, with participants from four different countries: Heike Mayer from Goethe-Schule Flensburg in Germany; Maria Helena Gonçalves Baptista, Maria Gabriela Soares Viegas Gonçalves, and Sílvia Clara Carvalho Lopes Macedo from Agrupamento de Escolas Emídio Navarro in Portugal; Georgios Theodorakis, Theodoros Tsapakidis, Athanasia Andromanetsikou, Irini Papachristou, Eleni Kosti, and Eleni Papachristou from 2 ESP EPAL PEIRAIA (2nd Evening Vocational High School of Piraeus) in Greece; Rosa Mª Martínez Iturbe from IES Alonso Quijano in Spain; and Koumla Magdalini, Zacharea Maria, and Sachinidou Panagiota from General High School Paralia Stavrou in Greece.
This new course “Green skills for education: promoting environmental awareness and sustainable actions in the classroom” took place in Bologna from 09/02/2025 to 15/02/2025, with participants from four different countries: Heike Mayer from Goethe-Schule Flensburg in Germany; Maria Helena Gonçalves Baptista, Maria Gabriela Soares Viegas Gonçalves, and Sílvia Clara Carvalho Lopes Macedo from Agrupamento de Escolas Emídio Navarro in Portugal; Georgios Theodorakis, Theodoros Tsapakidis, Athanasia Andromanetsikou, Irini Papachristou, Eleni Kosti, and Eleni Papachristou from 2 ESP EPAL PEIRAIA (2nd Evening Vocational High School of Piraeus) in Greece; Rosa Mª Martínez Iturbe from IES Alonso Quijano in Spain; and Koumla Magdalini, Zacharea Maria, and Sachinidou Panagiota from General High School Paralia Stavrou in Greece.
At the beginning of the week, we focused on what are considered to be Green Skills and why they are vital in today's society. During the first day, the goal was to reflect on the words that make up the green vocabulary. Participants shared their current and desired sustainable activities to incorporate into daily habits and discussed their schools' existing practices in fostering sustainability and green skills learning.
The following day, we explored the definitions and meanings of sustainability and sustainable development, including the three pillars of sustainability. Participants engaged in an activity to recognize students' feelings and emotions regarding climate change and discovered innovative teaching methods to enhance green skills. Additionally, an overview of the Agenda 2030 framework was presented.
The following day, we explored the definitions and meanings of sustainability and sustainable development, including the three pillars of sustainability. Participants engaged in an activity to recognize students' feelings and emotions regarding climate change and discovered innovative teaching methods to enhance green skills. Additionally, an overview of the Agenda 2030 framework was presented.
Another focus of the week was the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On Wednesday, participants engaged in a hands-on activity around the seven SDGs related to environmental sustainability. They also worked on critical thinking skills through dedicated group activities and analyzed the phenomenon of Greenwashing, learning how to spot deceptive marketing practices in supposedly "green" products.
Thursday was dedicated to incorporating sustainability into education through Outdoor Education pillars and activities designed to foster green skills. Additionally, participants explored Project-Based Learning as a powerful tool to promote sustainability in the classroom.
Thursday was dedicated to incorporating sustainability into education through Outdoor Education pillars and activities designed to foster green skills. Additionally, participants explored Project-Based Learning as a powerful tool to promote sustainability in the classroom.
On the final day, the focus shifted to understanding and addressing the Carbon Footprint phenomenon. Participants engaged in group activities to explore the European Green Competence Framework, deepening their understanding of how to integrate green skills into their teaching practices.
One of the most enriching aspects of this course was the sharing of best practices, allowing participants to exchange ideas and gain inspiration from projects and activities implemented by fellow educators. We are glad our participants left Bologna with a big smile on their faces, lots of new knowledge in their brains, and a heart full of new experiences!
Discover more about this course here
One of the most enriching aspects of this course was the sharing of best practices, allowing participants to exchange ideas and gain inspiration from projects and activities implemented by fellow educators. We are glad our participants left Bologna with a big smile on their faces, lots of new knowledge in their brains, and a heart full of new experiences!
Discover more about this course here
This course provided educators with valuable insights into inclusive education by emphasizing practical strategies, co-teaching models, and the effective integration of students with special needs. Participants engaged in school visits and expert discussions, gaining hands-on experience that can be directly applied to foster inclusivity and participation in their own classrooms.
The new edition of the course “Special needs and inclusive education, the Italian experience of overcoming segregation” took place in Bologna from 09/02/2025 - 15/02/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, including Michael Peter Hoecke from vhs Aschaffenburg in Germany; Maria del Pilar Pastor Muñoz from IES Alonso Quijano in Spain; Ana Cristina Antunes Pires, Elsa Cristina Magalhães Domingos Lino, Maria Luísa Brito Magalhães Lançós, and Joana Magalhães Leite de Barros from Agrupamento de Escolas da Senhora da Hora in Portugal; and Ernesta Spudienė, Jurgita Skurdeliene, Laima Viskintiene, and Sandra Jocyte - Auryliene from Kvedarna Kazimieras Jaunius Gymnasium in Lithuania.
The new edition of the course “Special needs and inclusive education, the Italian experience of overcoming segregation” took place in Bologna from 09/02/2025 - 15/02/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, including Michael Peter Hoecke from vhs Aschaffenburg in Germany; Maria del Pilar Pastor Muñoz from IES Alonso Quijano in Spain; Ana Cristina Antunes Pires, Elsa Cristina Magalhães Domingos Lino, Maria Luísa Brito Magalhães Lançós, and Joana Magalhães Leite de Barros from Agrupamento de Escolas da Senhora da Hora in Portugal; and Ernesta Spudienė, Jurgita Skurdeliene, Laima Viskintiene, and Sandra Jocyte - Auryliene from Kvedarna Kazimieras Jaunius Gymnasium in Lithuania.
The course started with a school presentation and introduction to the concept of inclusion in education. In inclusive education, creating an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, feel valued and supported is essential. Educators should implement strategies that acknowledge student differences, providing personalized approaches for success. Collaboration and openness to new methods are key to fostering an inclusive environment, ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
Next, participants explored the Italian model of inclusive education by visiting the school “Manfredi-Tanari”, a great example of an inclusive school in the local area. In this visit, participants saw how co-teaching is applied in classrooms to meet the diverse needs of students. The role of support teachers in this system was also highlighted, showing how important teamwork is for creating an inclusive learning environment.
Next, participants explored the Italian model of inclusive education by visiting the school “Manfredi-Tanari”, a great example of an inclusive school in the local area. In this visit, participants saw how co-teaching is applied in classrooms to meet the diverse needs of students. The role of support teachers in this system was also highlighted, showing how important teamwork is for creating an inclusive learning environment.
On the third day, participants had the chance to join a video call with an Italian support teacher who shared his personal experience with inclusion. This was followed by a group activity where participants studied Italian documents on inclusion, helping them to understand the ideas and practices that shape inclusion in Italy.
One of the most important topics of the course was membership and the need to belong. In this session, participants discussed how important it is for students, especially those with special needs, to feel like they are part of the community. Feeling that they belong helps students stay motivated and engaged in their learning.
The course ended with a session on inclusive teaching methods and the use of ICT tools. Teachers learned about different strategies and technology that can help make learning more accessible and interesting for all students. These tools allow educators to create lessons that meet the needs of each student, encouraging greater participation and learning.
One of the most important topics of the course was membership and the need to belong. In this session, participants discussed how important it is for students, especially those with special needs, to feel like they are part of the community. Feeling that they belong helps students stay motivated and engaged in their learning.
The course ended with a session on inclusive teaching methods and the use of ICT tools. Teachers learned about different strategies and technology that can help make learning more accessible and interesting for all students. These tools allow educators to create lessons that meet the needs of each student, encouraging greater participation and learning.
Throughout the course, participants gained both practical tools and important ideas that will help them bring inclusivity into their own classrooms. The discussions were engaging, and the participants’ passion for making education better for everyone made the course a truly inspiring experience. This journey was a great reminder of how education can break down barriers and help every student feel included.
Discover more about this course here.
Discover more about this course here.
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