Catching up on the latest education trends

Motivating students and improving their learning can be a complex challenge. However, there are many tools available today for educators to use in the classroom. These tools include things like project-based learning, non-traditional teaching methods, outdoor education, and technology.

 The new edition of the course “Innovative teaching methods for teachers, school and adult education staff​” took place in Tenerife from Sunday 16/09/2023 to Saturday 22/09/2023. The participants came from all across Europe, with Biljana from High School of Economics Kragujevac Ekonomska škola Kragujevac in Serbia, Inga, Meryt and Lii from Peetri lasteaed-Põhikool in Estonia, Petra and Jana coming from Regionalni vzdelavaci a informacni stredisko, p.o. in Czech republic, Dorottya from Budafoki Kossuth Lajos Magyar-Angol Két Tanítási Nyelvű Általános Iskola from Hungary, participants coming from different german school: Sabine from St. Adelheid Grundschule Geldern and Christine and Kirsten from Frauenlob Gymnasium Mainz, and for the first time also six people for the Colegio Arubano in Aruba: Jessica,  Judith, Milouschka,Brandon, Lluvia and Ninoushka.

Thanks to research and studies, schools have a multitude of tools to use: project-based learning, non-formal education, outdoor learning, and using technology like ICT alongside traditional teaching methods are some of the many opportunities that can be integrated with traditional teaching methods.

Using visual methods and team-building games highlighted the value of Non-Formal Education. These activities introduced us to Kolb's experiential learning cycle, which helps students move from thinking about an experience to understanding and applying what they've learned. This active involvement in the learning process empowers students to take an active role in their education.

With the help of an ICT tool, ActionBound, teachers were able to engage in a unique treasure hunt experience, exploring Tenerife while further appreciating the benefits of Outdoor Education in an enjoyable manner. This highlighted several advantages of Outdoor Education, including increased motivation and creativity, as well as improved overall well-being due to the interaction with nature and the subsequent reduction in stress.

Then, we talked about Project-Based Learning, PBL offers students a more engaging and meaningful approach to exploring content. It starts with a question and lets students explore real-world issues in a direct and meaningful way. By examining the core principles of PBL, course participants had the chance to uncover how teamwork, collaboration, and creativity can help students solve real problems strategically from the beginning.

Lastly, we looked into using modern teaching methods with technology. In our classes, we tried out different tools to figure out how to better engage students, assess their learning, and present lessons. This course helped participants learn how to bring more innovation into their own teaching practices

As Friday arrived, our team had become so close that saying goodbye was tough. However, everyone was enthusiastic  to return home and start using the many ideas we had gathered during the course. Although the week of inspiration had ended, our work would continue in our own countries.

Discover more about this course here.
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