The ELA Blog

​Nowadays, soft skills and emotional intelligence are so important in our social and work context. Concepts like assertive communication, teamwork, empathy, listening, public speaking, conflict and stress management are crucial in our life and we have worked on them during the last week in the course “Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence for teachers and education staff”.
 
The course took place in Bologna, from 18/09/2022 to 24/09/2022. Participants came from all across Europe, with Tatjana Pintar, Irena Kokalj and Štefan Harkai from three different Slovenian schools: OsnovnašolaGorje, Center šolskih in obšolskihdejavnosti– CŠOD and OŠ Puconci respectively; Mirela Levačić Cvok from Primary School Đure Prejca Desinić in Croatia; Diāna Zurģe, Una Gaile and Toms Akmens from Tukuma Raiņa ģimnāzija in Latvia; Peter Mezei from BGSZC BGSZC Károlyi Mihály Két Tanítási Nyelvű Közgazdasági Technikum in Hungary; Beata Łukomska from Zespół Szkół Specjalnych 110 w Poznań in Poland and Marie Vanden Berghe from Heilig Hart instituut Heverlee in Belgium.

During the course we have discussed about many topics. They prepared themselves to the week discussing about their expectations, their contributions and their fears. On the first day, we started talking about the different types of emotional intelligence and empathy, so our participants had to do some very interesting activities.
 
We learned how to create a smart goals and we explored the different styles of leadership. The participants did some activities to learn how to be a good leader for their students.

​For the purpose of improving their communication skills they also had to prepare exercises of public speaking and listening, focusing on active and passive ways of being in a conversation. They learned to pay attention, to share, to reflect on each other. In summary, having good communication, especially an assertive one may be essential for teamwork, but most of it is non-verbal. We have to consider the three channels through which communication takes place. To put these skills into practice, our participants had to do a group activity in which they had to guide together a colleague to reach a common goal.
 
The last topic of this course was Conflict management. We talked about the different types of conflict and their views. In this activity they could share their own experiences, arguing about it and learning how to deal with them.

Finally, to end the course, the participants had to resolve a problem interpreting different point of views, in order to train their skill of understanding their own emotions and the emotions of others.

Last but not least, they could enjoy the cultural activities in Italy! The Renaissance in Florence, the canals of Venice, the mosaics of Ravenna, and above all the beauty of Bologna. Without a doubt, they put in very good practice the team work activity!

​Discover more about this course here

​Learning how to control emotions in order to better manage stressful situations is the key to improving personal and professional skills in any workplace. Self-awareness is the first step to face daily tasks and to deal with overwhelming situations that are known to cause tension and conflict in professional environments.

​During the course meetings the participants had the opportunity to empower their skills through both theory and practical activities, focusing on a high range of topics that went from technical definitions about stress and its main forms to relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, muscle relaxation and visualization.
 
First of all, the participants analyzed the main manifestations of stress on both cognitive and behavioural levels, also learning how to recognize all of its outcomes to exploit them in a positive and productive way.
Moreover, they took part in group activities aiming to increase their planning and time management skills in order to avoid time stealers and make the most of their efficiency at work. 

​In this context, coming from the same working environment was a treasure for this group of co-workers during their whole experience: they had the opportunity to speak up for themselves about important issues that affected their team, finally achieving innovative solutions to turn these problems into new possibilities of growth, both individually and collectively. 

Discover more about the course here

Bullying is a problem that affects all school levels and it is often difficult to recognize it, because it occurs far from the adults’ sight. However, this course allows us to recognize the characteristics of a bullying behaviour and learn how to prevent and stop it.
The new edition of the course “How to stop bullying and cyber bullying in schools and promote social emotional learning​” took place in Palermo from 11/09/2022 to 17/09/2022. The participants came from two different countries of Europe, with Sylwia, Patrycja and Adam from Szkoła Podstawowa nr 1 w Tanowie in Poland; and Herwig and Chris from Gemeentelijke Basisschool
Kortrijk and School voor buitengewoon onderwijs Sancta Maria in Belgium.

​We started with our introduction day where we brainstormed all the characteristics of bullying behaviours, all the differents roles involved and the forms it can take.
We moved on talking about the risk factors that lead children to be bullied or to bully others and, at the same time about the factors that can help to prevent these situations. We looked at this topic from four different perspectives: the family environment, the school environment, the individual situation and community environment. 

The second day of this training course was focused on learning what a conflict is and how to manage it. In order to build a positive classroom environment, teachers should know the best strategy to use to handle a conflict in a specific situation. Through different activities, we also discussed about the opportunities that can arise form a conflict, if we understand how to learn from it.
Thanks to the sharing of ideas, we looked at the best practices to use when facing a bullying behaviour and how to integrate them in the school antybullying programs.

​One of the main and most difficult types of bullying to recognize is cyber-bullying. Nowadays Internet has a major role in the lives of our kids and may have a negative impact on them. With some practical activities we explored the world of internet and 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 useful activity which can be used both with students, parents and teachers to raise awareness. 

In order to prevent bullying behaviours it is vital to foster a supportive classrom. We looked at this topic form two different perspectives: membership and social emotional learning. These are pillars for a supportive classroom and should not be underestimated. They should be included in every school program, indeed.
​We discussed about this with a lot of non formal and creative activities and games, thanks to which it was impossible to get bored. Moreover, the participants had the chance to share their valuable ideas and experiences.

Discover more about this course here

Contemporary society is profoundly diversified and multicultural, which poses many challenges towards teachers and educators in promoting diversity and tolerance in and outside the classroom.
As teachers and education staff, we wish for our student to be successful, we would like to help and support them in their personal development skills that they can obtain a proper knowledge to find their best place in the society and allow others to be in it. Starting from the early age in teaching tolerant attitudes and promoting open-minded thinking as well as being a role models in building emphatic characters of children can make a real impact for the whole society.

The new edition of the course “Diversity in the classroom: teaching tolerance and overcoming prejudices and discrimination​” took place in Tenerife from 11/09/2022 to 17/09/2022. The participants came from all across Europe, with Julia, Jennifer, Kathrin from Sekundarschule Horn Bad Meinberg in Germany, Maria, Cláudia, Helena, Amelia from Agrupamento de Escolas Emídio Navarro in Portugal, Isabella and Cathrine from Manhemsskolan/Kalix kommun in Sweden, participans coming from Finland: Anu and Pia from Kiviniityn koulu in Finland and Stella from Hellenic Open University, and then Cioabă from Secondary School Ion Creanga, Carolina, Sandra, Giuseppina and Anna from IC. “FRANCESCO RISO” in Italy.

​​Educators were engaged in a very practical and visual activities to explore the concept of identity. They were asked to draw autoportraits where the first half of it had to present their visible appearance while the other half
– their deep personal values and charakter. At the end we discussed the issue of how our identities may effect the perception of the other people, society and build our viewpoints and convictions.

The second key step of the cours was how to introduce in the class, promote and encourage children to understand and respect cultural diversity. In order to acknowledge this attitude we were watching a TED talk. It helped us to concern the difference between “being local” and “being from a foreign country” because what is shaping our identity is our whole culture developed in various and interconnected levels.

Appreciation of diversity is connected also with the ability to overcome stereotypes. During the course we had an opportunity to duscuss the notion of stereotypes and the purposes of thir existance, we asked ourselves how we form them and when we use them in our everyday life. We could discover both, negative and positive impact of stereotypes using the storytelling technique which helped us to observe how stereotypes evolve into judgments and discrimination

What is more, we analyzed very sensitive issue of awareness and respect. By many activities nad simulations we could gain a distant sight and imagine more how our perception of world, as people in general, is influenced by our identity, values we share and culture we live. We participated in critical thinking exercises to understand what means the respect towards other perspectives on world and different values.

​The next part of the course was dedicated to the topic of membership. For the purpose of better understanding of the concept we did exercises focused on exclusion and inclusion. It helped us to recognize how it feels to be excluded and how difficult it is to include into the specific group with its own dynamic. The geese acvitity introduced the topic of leadership styles as a perfect match for this aim.

​Finally, we could also discover the power of empathy as a soft skill which is crucial and need to be implemented in process of education. We learnt that it is important to be aware and express our own emotions in the proper way as well as be open and sensitive towards the other people feelings. The teachers were fostered to put themselves in other people’s shoes what help them to be aware of the emotions of others.

To sum up, it was a bright week full of deep discussions, exchange of ideas and perspectives, when we gained a new knowledge and practice, and could share emotions.
​
Discover more about this course here

If you were wondering how to support your learners  to develop an entrepreneurial mindset as well as leadership skills, we now have the answer! 

The new edition of the course “Teaching entrepreneurship and leadership at school” took place in Bologna from 28/08/2022 to 03/09/2022. We welcomed there 7 lovely participants. 6 of them were from Greece: Androniki Zouki and Karametou Vasiliki from 9th senior high school of Ioannina,  
Elisavet Plakida, Vasileios Raptopoulos, Zoi Zografopoulou and Zoi Athanaseli from  Arsakeio Primary School of Thessaloniki and then we had Kadri Idavain from Kuusalu Secondary School in Estonia.
​
During the week, the group discovered the key elements and principles related to entrepreneurship and leadership education and acquired concrete working methods, learning activities and didactic games that they will be able to integrate in their course and apply in the classroom.
​
In order to start teaching entrepreneurship to our students it is important to know what we are talking about. What is entrepreneurship? Which are the main skills needed? What are the key words? That is what we did at the beginning of the course: at the end of the first day our participants were able to navigate this topic with more confidence. 

We also pointed out how important is to have a clear goal in mind and a model when planning our entrepreneurial project: this is why we introduced the topic of SMART goals and the CANVAS business model. With a lot of practice our teachers were able to set their own goals ;)

Entrepreneurship could never exist without creativity: this is probably the most important skill to foster in our students. This can be practiced with games, innovative activities and small workshop which we practiced in the classroom.

Other skills we practiced were public speaking and assertiveness: only in this way can we become good entrepreneurs and persuade our investors!
​
Lastly, we explored leadership and teamwork, both fundamental for businesswomen and men.

​The week was concluded with a beautiful poem written by one of our Greek participant:

Doctor Erasmus

You have given us your name
To use during these days
And blow us away
 
Pasta I eat
Ham and cheese too
But then I weigh myself
And say somebody hide me, do!
 
With the weight I have on
I have to go shopping too
And buy clothes that fit
So not to look like a fool
 
If I explode from the food
I will be heard in Greece too
Because I have to admit
I like spaghetti bolognese and tiramisu
 
Cows and bulls
appear in my sleep
They hunt me down
And ask for the bill
 
Pigs wait for me in the street
Chickens with eggs, canneloni and cheese
Tortellini,ragu
Ricotta salata, prosciutto and uff…
It feels like a paradise of food
On this planet and on others too.
 
And when I die pretty soon
Bury me in Bologna, do!
I want a vampire to be
And eat macaroni with cheese’.
 
 
OriginalPoet: Androniki
Translator and editor: Elsa
Typedand savedby: Kadri

See you soon!
​
Discover more about this course here

​Nowadays it’s necessary to update traditional methods of teaching students.
​
​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 new edition of the course “Innovative teaching methods for teachers, school and adult education staff​” took place in Tenerife from 04/09/2022 to 10/09/2022.
The participants came from all across Europe, with Rossana Serranò and Valentina Farneti from the school Terzo Circolo, Claudia De Meo and Simona D’Aquilio from IC Albeto Manzi and Valentina Sarlo from Arci Firenze in Italy; Florentina Anca Bodnărescu, Elena Raveca Contiu and Alina Maria Miuță from Scoala Gimnaziala nr. 3 Cisnadi in Romania; Ondřej Horký from Martino IRS in Slovakia; Nélia Fleury from Lycee Polyvalent Europe Robert Schuman in France.

​Today there are many tools available that can be used in the school environment. Thanks of this course, our participants could learn how to use outdoor education for personal, social and relational development, get an overview of the trending innovative teaching methods, get acquainted with the key principle of Contextual Learning, practice the most relevant new teaching methods and strategies.
​Today there are many tools available that can be used in the school environment.

To begin with the course, we talked about how to foster student motivation, participation and creativity through non-formal, informal and experiential learning activities.

​Visual strategies and teambuilding games showed the power of Non-Formal Education. Actually, we explored the Kolb’s experiential learning cycle and the participants learned how it allows to pass from reflection to conceptualization and application, giving the student a proactive role in the process of learning.

​The teachers with ICT tool’s help could participated in a special type of treasure hunt and thanks of that they could discover Bologna and deepen the power of Outdoor Education in a very funny form. The Outdoor Education has a lot of advantages like increased motivation and creativity, improved
psychophysical welfare through the contact with the nature and the consequent reduction of the stress.

​For the end, we practiced several tools in class about ICT, finding new forms of engagement in the students, evaluate and showcase a lesson. This course helped participants to understand how to work with a more innovative approach in their classes.

On Friday it was so hard to say goodbye. However, our participants left with new knowledge and ideas to apply in their countries with their students.

Discover more about this course here

Next, participants engaged in a storytelling exercise about stereotypes. Altogether we discovered the meaning of the vicious cycle of stereotypes. We saw how stereotypes can be dangerous because they tend to become prejudices that later create discrimination. 
​
The last topic we worked on was inclusion. First, participants were involved in simulation activities to acknowledge and discuss about the challenges of intercultural communication. The activities can help students questioning common assumptions while thinking about finding connections among different cultures. The teachers engaged in group activities that could also be replicated in their classroom in order to teach their students the importance of membership and empathy.

​As part of the learning process and the (inter)cultural offer of the course, participants had the chance to meet two representatives of a local association in Bologna dealing with intercultural projects. They were thus given the chance to see Bologna from another perspective, making them even more eager and curious to put the knowledge gained in classroom into action while discovering the city and interacting with our locals. ​

The trainer put a lot of emphasis on Key Action 2 projects, as these are among the most complex to grasp. We talked a lot about what the cycle of a project should look like, and jumped straight into the Logical Framework Approach. The group discovered necessary tools and methods to use whilst designing a project, with enough time to explore them between moving on to the next topics. Another big concept we tackled was the Work Breakdown Structure, and with that, moving swiftly into creating Work Packages. 

The participants learned the importance of managing the Communication of the project - more specifically the difference between visibility and dissemination. We took time for each member of the group to analyse their target groups, where they can implement an active communication strategy, and how to make these actions verifiable. ​