The ELA Blog

Did you know that incorporating yoga into daily routines can significantly enhance overall well-being and reduce stress? Imagine starting each day with a sense of calm and balance—something that yoga can help achieve! Whether it's a deep breath, a gentle stretch, or a moment of mindfulness, yoga has the power to transform not just individual lives but also the entire educational environment.

The latest edition of the course “Yoga for teachers and school staff: Enhancing Well-being in the classroom” took place in Bologna from 04/08/2024 to 10/08/2024. Participants from various educational settings across Europe came together to explore how yoga can positively impact their teaching and school environment. The group of participants included Alba and Laura from Santa María de los Apostoles in Spain, Doris from Inge-Aicher-Scholl Realschule in Germany.

To kick off the course, participants engaged in interactive ice-breakers designed to foster a sense of community and openness. They also had the opportunity to play a digital game to check their initial knowledge about yoga postures and names, but also to their individual teaching and personal wellness goals. This introduction set the tone for a week filled with discovery and growth.
Our journey began with an introduction to yoga philosophy and terminology, offering participants a foundation in the principles that underpin this ancient practice. We delved into the scientific evidence supporting mind-body interventions in education, exploring how these practices can foster a more harmonious and productive learning environment.

The course featured a range of practical sessions designed to integrate yoga into everyday school life. Each day began with a morning yoga session and meditation, followed by journaling exercises where participants reflected on their intentions and experiences, setting a positive tone for the day.
We started reflecting the role of yoga in enhancing emotional intelligence and managing stress. We explored techniques for emotional balance, including methods for managing anger and promoting happiness, and practiced yoga exercises aimed at team and trust building in the classroom. These included breathing exercises (Pranayama) for managing stress and enhancing mental clarity. These techniques were integrated into our daily practices, helping participants experience firsthand the profound effects of mindful breathing on their overall well-being.

One of the highlights of the course was an outdoor yoga session. Participants engaged in mindfulness exercises that connected them with the natural environment, further deepening their understanding of yoga’s role in fostering a calm and centered presence.

In the final days of the course, participants shared their newfound insights and routines, and we discussed the broader impact of integrating yoga into educational settings. This was complemented by a practical session where participants designed their own yoga routines for use in the classroom, equipping them with tools to enhance focus, build trust, and reduce stress among students and staff alike.

By the end of the week, participants were not only equipped with practical tools for their classrooms but also inspired to cultivate a more mindful and balanced approach to their professional and personal lives. The practice of yoga has the potential to bring about lasting changes, creating an environment where teachers, students, and staff can thrive together.

Discover more about this course here

In today's rapidly evolving world, education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of societies. As technology advances and the needs of learners change, traditional teaching methods often struggle to keep pace. This is where innovative teaching methodologies come into play. These modern approaches to education not only enhance the learning experience but also empower students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and adapt to new challenges. In this course, “Innovative teaching methods for teachers, school and adult education staff”, new approaches to innovative teaching methodologies have been approached, always focusing on the participants’ realities and needs.

The new edition of the course took place in Bologna from 29/07/2024 to 04/07/2024. The participants were coming from all across Europe: with Anette, Sylvia, Claudia, Alexandra, and Angela coming from Bayerischer and Volkshochschulverband e.V. in Deutschland; Natalja from Vestifex OÜ in Estonia, Magdalena coming from the Polish Społeczna Szkoła Podstawowa nr 3 Dębinka; Päivi  from the High School of Ranua in Finland; from Spain, María Dolores and Juan Antonio, sent by IPEP HUELVA, and IES Valdespartera. Furthermore, Ivana from the Czech Republic in Wichterlovo gymnázium; from the German Friedrich-Ebert Gymnasium, Yesim; and last but not least, Maria Helena from the Portuguese Associação Para o Ensino Profissional do Oeste.

Thanks to different kinds of studies and research, today there are many tools available that can be used in the school environment: project-based learning, non-formal education, outdoor education, and ICT are some of the many opportunities that can be integrated with traditional teaching methods. 
The course began with exploring how skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration are increasingly vital. This session delved into how innovative teaching methodologies, such as experiential and inquiry-based learning, can help students acquire these competencies. We also discussed the evolving role of educators as facilitators and guides, creating learning environments that encourage students to explore, question, and innovate.

Tuesday's session introduced Project-Based Learning (PBL), an approach that transforms the classroom into a dynamic space for inquiry and problem-solving. PBL allows students to engage deeply with a topic by working on extended projects that address real-world problems. This method not only enhances content knowledge but also develops critical thinking, collaboration, and self-management skills. We discussed how to design and implement PBL in various educational settings, as the participants presented differentiated education situations, to ensure that students are motivated and actively involved in their learning process. Thursday’s focus is on integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools into the classroom to enhance student engagement. In today’s digital age, traditional lectures can often seem disconnected from students' everyday experiences. ICT tools such as interactive presentations, quizzes, and educational games can transform the learning experience by making it more interactive.

Finally, the course culminated on Friday with a hands-on application of the week’s learning through a city-wide treasure hunt, facilitated by an ICT tool. This activity serves as an example of how outdoor education can be integrated with technology to create immersive learning experiences. Outdoor education encourages students to engage with their surroundings and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. The treasure hunt highlighted the benefits of this approach, including enhanced problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the material, and also made the participants get to know the city of Bologna!

By the end of this course, participants will have a robust understanding of how to implement these innovative teaching methodologies in their classrooms. These approaches will not only help prepare students for the demands of the future but also create a more vibrant and effective educational experience.

Discover more about this course here.

In today's interconnected world, mastering multiple languages has become increasingly important, not just for communication but for cultural understanding and global collaboration. As technology continues to advance, it offers educators powerful digital tools to revolutionize the way languages are taught and learned. Gone are the days of relying solely on textbooks and rote memorization. Now, with the integration of apps, interactive platforms, and online resources, language learning can be more engaging, personalized, and effective. Whether through virtual classrooms, gamified learning experiences, or AI-powered language apps, these tools are transforming traditional language instruction, this course would pave the way for a new era of education.
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The new edition of the course “Teaching languages in the digital era: the best apps, web platforms and ICT solutions for learning languages​” took place in Bologna from 05/08/2024 to 10/08/2024. The participants came from all across Europe: with Liene from Zentas Mauriņas Grobiņas vidusskola in Latvia, Madiha from Rouges Barres Junior High School in France, Karolina coming from the Polish Szkoła Podstawowa nr 5 im. Polskiej Macierzy Szkolnej w Czeladzi, Ramón, Paula and Josefa coming from CIPFP Camino de Santiago, IES AGUAS VIVAS,  and IES Rascanya Antonio Cañuelo from Spain, Monika and Velislava from the University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski" in Bulgaria; furthermore, Heiðrún, from the Icelandic Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði, Tamás from Budapesti Egyetemi Katolikus Gimnázium és Kollégium in Hungary, and Lenka, from the Slovak Zakladna skola Kubranska 80 Trencin. Last but not least, Biljana coming from Slovenia’s University of Maribor.
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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. These tools are useful not only for engagement and motivation but also to monitor progress for example in vocabulary learning, communication and individual work.
Paragraph. The first day of the course focused on virtual collaboration tools; participants delved into the use of virtual whiteboards and other platforms that facilitate the sharing and organizing of ideas in real time. They compared various virtual whiteboard solutions, considering the benefits and drawbacks of each to determine which platforms best suited their teaching needs.

Moreover, attention shifted to interactive learning games, which have proven to be highly effective in reinforcing language skills. Educators explored a range of game-based learning tools that transformed traditional exercises into engaging activities, making learning more enjoyable for students. Additionally, they experimented with multifunctional platforms offering interactive presentations, virtual quizzes, and collaborative spaces (such as Kahoot, Bamboozle, Padlet…). These platforms provided educators with the flexibility to design dynamic lessons that catered to various learning styles. The third day of the course focused on educational games, study aids, and assessment tools. Participants discovered how to use educational video games and flashcard tools to enhance language learning and retention. These resources, leveraging repetition and gamification, helped the participants to internalize new vocabulary and concepts more effectively.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education was the central theme on the fourth day. Participants discussed their opinions and cultural perspectives on AI and explored AI-powered tools that could enhance teaching strategies and personalize learning experiences. They experimented with AI-powered language learning apps, gaining insights into how these tools could adapt to students’ proficiency levels and provide customized exercises and feedback.

Finally, the course focused on creating interactive worksheets that could be customized to support various aspects of language learning. Participants learned to design worksheets that incorporated multimedia elements, such as audio clips and videos, making them more engaging than traditional paper-based worksheets. The course concluded with a period of independent exploration, during which educators revisited the tools and techniques discussed throughout the week.
By the end of the course, participants had acquired a comprehensive toolkit of apps, web platforms, and ICT solutions. They were well-prepared to transform their language teaching practices, using these digital tools to create more dynamic, personalized, and effective learning environments for their students. This course highlighted the significant potential of digital technologies in language education, offering educators new ways to engage and inspire learners in the digital era.

Discover more about this course here.

Keeping students motivated, engaged, and enthusiastic in the classroom can be challenging. This is where ICT tools like apps and web platforms become invaluable, assisting teachers in effectively communicating and transferring knowledge while capturing their students' full attention. In today's world, it is essential to be familiar with interactive learning methods, as they offer an alternative, non-traditional approach that helps keep students engaged.
The new edition of the course “Integrating ICT and new technologies into teaching and education​” took place in Tenerife from 04/08/2024 to 10/08/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Paulina and Marzena from Zespół Szkoły Podstawowej nr 2 i Przedszkola w Zagnańsku in Poland; Marta, Emilia and Aldona from Public Primary School named after J. Iwaszkiewicza in Poland; Anna from Szkoła Podstawowa dla Dziewcząt Płomień in Poland; Klaudia Annamária and Melitta from Debreceni Szakképzési Centrum Bethlen Gábor Közgazdasági Technikum és Kollégium in Hungary; Piffert, Martin and Geraldine from Institut de la Providence Champion in Belgium; Raphael from Bundesgymnasium für Berufstätige Innsbruck in Austria; Alessandro from I.C. Serramazzoni in Italy.
Throughout this course, participants learned to utilize a wide range of technological tools, integrating them into their teaching practices. ​

As far as we know, finding new ways to teach while ensuring students and teachers have fun can be challenging, especially with our youngest learners. However, incorporating innovative methods can make a significant difference: it’s crucial to understand how to motivate children and enhance their learning through play. Fortunately, many available tools can be integrated into the preschool environment - approaches like Project-based learning; non-formal education; outdoor education and creative games are just a few of the many options at our disposal to enrich their learning experience. 

Our latest edition of the course “Innovative teaching methods for preschool teachers” took place in Palermo from 4/08/2024 to 10/08/2024. The participants came mainly from Spain, with Estibaliz Saldias, from FONDACIÓN ACI: ESCLAVAS DEL SAGRADO CORAZÓN; finally with Silvia Calle del Olmo and with Lucia Corral Ribera, from Colegio Salesianos el Pilar. Even though participants all came from the same country, sharing their own experiences with their sensibility and with different backgrounds - such as schools, pupils, regions, cities - was also very enriching.

Participants began the course by exploring the Early Childhood Education and the Italian Education system. The importance of pre-primary education is entrenched in the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants learned about the Italian education system and confronted it with their Spanish system, getting to know differences and similarities.
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​In the next few days, the group explored the importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence, highlighting the importance of teaching emotional intelligence to small children as it is highly beneficial for their overall development. Additionally, they deepen Project-Based Learning topics. Building on their existing knowledge of Project-Based Learning (PBL), the course participants explored how this innovative method deepens students’ understanding by starting with a guiding question and investigating real-world issues. By revisiting the core principles of PBL, the participants gained insights into how teamwork, collaboration, and creativity can further empower young students to tackle real-world challenges. With strategic guidance from the teacher, students learn to seek out answers from the very beginning, fostering a more meaningful and engaged learning experience.

​Outdoor education is also essential. We went to the Villa Trabia (Ninni Cassarà Park) to demonstrate the benefits of going outside through various fun games and activities. Outdoor education has many benefits, from boosting motivation and creativity, to exploring the world and enhancing psychophysical well-being through direct contact with nature, which helps reduce stress.

​Finally, we also tapped into the power of creativity through numerous challenges that pushed the class to think outside the box. The teachers showcased their drawing, dancing, and singing talents, fully embracing the hands-on approach!
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By the final day, team spirit was so strong that saying goodbye was difficult. However, we found a heartfelt way to express our gratitude to one another. Another inspiring week had come to an end, but the journey of applying these insights would continue back in their home countries.

​Discover more about this course here.

Learning Spanish opens doors to new cultures, enhances career opportunities, and fosters deeper 
connections with millions of people worldwide. With this in mind teachers from all across Europe have attended the course “Intensive Spanish language course for education staff” as it is never too late to learn a new language!

The new edition of the course took place in Tenerife from 14/07/2024 to 20/07/2024. We had the pleasure to welcome a group composed by Paloma and Emma from Loreto Secondary school Bray,co.Wicklow in Ireland, Eva from Gymnázium Pavla Jozefa Šafárika - Pavol Jozef Šafárik Gimnázium Rožňava in Slovakia, Mariann from Piarista Általános Iskola, Gimnázium, Kollégium és Boldog Donáti Celesztina Óvoda in Hungary, Sára from Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava in Slovakia. 

During the week, participants engaged in various challenges aimed at improving their Spanish usage, listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

​Our journey began with a revision of Spanish grammar rules from simple to complex structures. Starting from the second day, each morning began with a recap activity to reinforce newly acquired knowledge. 
Given that language learning requires constant exercise, every theory session in the course was filled with interactive activities.

Participants enhanced their comprehension of spoken Spanish by listening to and interacting with native speakers, while also improving their writing, listening skills, and pronunciation always helped by different language learning methods as games, quizzes, real-life simulations and so much more. 

​In each lesson participants learned how to describe everyday situations, daily tasks, and had conversations about routines, time, and schedules. Additionally, an important focus of discussion was the significance of learning a foreign language but also travel experiences were shared, and everyone talked about our future plans.

The participants tackled speaking challenges with impressive enthusiasm and engagement. During breaks, they conversed in Spanish, sharing insights about their discoveries and discussing plans for the afternoon's cultural and networking activities. We hope they maintain this positive attitude in their future Spanish studies and continue to explore the Spanish culture that they have discovered during the week in Tenerife. 

Discover more about this course here.

School programs are aiming to teach students in more innovative and engaging ways with projects and initiatives. However, these often turn into exhausting extra work for teachers and impersonal activities that fail to captivate students. Is it possible to implement projects that are enjoyable and motivating for students while also being efficient for teachers?
With this question in mind, the new edition of the course “Introducing Project-Based Learning in the Classroom​” took place in Tenerife from 14/07/2024 to 20/07/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Mirna from Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Osijek in Croatia, Natalija from University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić in Croatia, from Hungary came Boglárka and Orsolya from Németh Kálmán Általános Iskola and Máténé from Kecskeméti Szakképzési Centrum, Maria from IIS Guarasci-Calbretta in Italy, Ângela, Maria, Ana from Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro in Portugal. ​

Soft skills are increasingly important in both professional and daily life. Emotional intelligence, empathy, teamwork, and conflict and stress management are crucial abilities both inside and outside the classroom. Through a blend of theoretical and practical activities, our participants learned how to enhance their communication skills.
 
The new edition of the course “Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence for teachers and education staff​” took place in Tenerife from 14/07/2024 to 20/07/2024. The participants came from I.I.S.P.T.C. A. CASAGRANDE, Italy, in particular Paolo, Barbara, Michela, Luca, Daniela, Sarah, Rosanna, Stefania, Claudia, Rita, Marina, Emanuela, Federica, Perfilia, Francesca, Margherita, Chiara decided to join us in this fascinating learning adventure. 

The course began with a focus on Emotional Intelligence, which refers to the ability to recognize both our own feelings and others’ emotions, enhancing self-awareness and awareness of our surroundings. Another skill addressed in this session was empathy. Through various exercises, participants learned to practice empathy, self-control, self-motivation, and how to build connections.
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A great teacher is also an effective leader in the classroom, as they must inspire and guide their students towards achieving specific goals. Leadership manifests in various forms, but not all the forms are suitable for every situation. Therefore, participants were encouraged to consider the key traits of the leaders they admire and reflect on specific leadership styles.

Effective communication is a crucial skill for successful teamwork. Participants concentrated on various communication styles: aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. Demonstrating assertiveness can be challenging, discussions clarified that assertiveness involves expressing your needs clearly and effectively, rather than being impolite.
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To enhance their skills in communication, participants also engaged in a public speaking exercise. They learned strategies for presenting themselves, managing body language, and mastering nonverbal communication. To build confidence, participants prepared and delivered a brief one-minute speech in front of the class, applying the skills they had acquired. 

The final topic of the course covered conflict and stress management. Interacting with people can sometimes be challenging, and handling conflicts effectively is not always straightforward. By sharing their personal experiences, participants recognized that conflicts are common and that they don't always lead to negative outcomes. Instead, conflicts can present opportunities to grow and learn.
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During the week participants had the opportunity to engage with one another and learn from their shared experiences. Each participant brought a unique background that enriched the group as a whole. Additionally, networking opportunities were facilitated through planned cultural activities, demonstrating that learning extends beyond the confines of the classroom.

Discover more about this course here.

English can bring people together no matter their nationality, it enables communication in fields as business, research, fashion and computer; it is a “global language”.
This week teachers participated in the "Intermediate English Language Course for education staff". They embraced the study with enthusiasm, actively participating to every activity.

The new edition of the course took place in Tenerife from 07/07/2024 to 13/07/2024. We had the pleasure to welcome a group composed by Quentin and Marion from Institut de la Providence de Champion in Belgium, Mary and Donatella from AECA in Italy, Krzysztof from AGH University of Krakow in Poland, Ivana from Evanjelická spojená škola in Slovakia, Irēna and Violetta from Riga Rinuzi secondary school in Latvia, Giuseppina, Chiara and Stefania from Liceo B. ZUCCHI di Monza in Italy. 

Throughout the course, participants were involved in different activities aimed at improving their English usage, listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
 
Our week began with an exchange of personal information and with a review of the knowledge acquired in previous levels of study. From the second day onward, each morning started with recap activities to reinforce newly acquired knowledge. Since language learning demands effort and practice, every theory session in the course was enriched with interactive exercises and activities.

We explored various grammar topics such as tenses, phrasal verbs, and adverbs. The lessons covered different topics, for instance phrases to use in everyday situations, daily tasks, and conversations about routines, time, and schedules. Additionally, we discussed the significance of learning a foreign language, shared travel memories, and talked about our future plans.
 
To make the course more interactive and enhance the learning experience, we utilized games, quizzes, readings, real-life simulations, and various other methods for assessments. 

Everyone approached speaking challenges with remarkable participation and enthusiasm. During breaks, they conversed in English, exchanging insights about their experiences on the island, discussing plans for the afternoon's cultural andnetworking activities. It was a productive week that led tosignificant improvements in participants’ English skills. We hope that this positive attitude will be maintained in their future English studies and that they will continue to enjoy the multicultural environment they cultivated in just one week.

Discover more about this course here.

Advanced Grammar and Complex Structures

Participants expanded their grammar knowledge by learning more advanced structures, refining their understanding. Topics included verb tenses (past perfect, past simple, and present perfect) and conditionals (zero, first, second, and third), using detailed comparisons and diagrams to aid comprehension. With targeted exercises and guided practice in writing and speaking, participants gained greater accuracy and confidence in their grammatical skills.

This intensive course greatly improved participants’ language abilities, deepening their understanding and boosting their confidence. By focusing on communication, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural awareness, the course prepared them to excel in international settings and support educational internationalization. The supportive learning environment and effective teaching methods helped participants overcome their fear of speaking English. We will miss the vibrant energy and enthusiasm each participant brought to the class. We wish them a safe journey home, filled with new insights, improved skills, lasting friendships, and inspiration!

​More info on this course here.

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