Catching up on the latest educational trends

Engaging students is challenging, but using innovative methods like project-based learning, non-formal education, outdoor activities, and technology can really help motivate them and improve their learning. These tools, along with traditional teaching methods, offer various ways to enhance education.
The new edition of the course “Innovative teaching methods for teachers, school and adult education staff​” took place in Tenerife from 28/04/2024-04/05/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Lucie Brabcová  and  Zuzana Lesinová from Základní škola Humpolec in Czech Republic, Marcela Musilova and  Zita Šindlerová from Stredni skola remesel, Sumperk in Czech Republic, Agnès Holtzheyer, Sophie Batut and Florence Karren from la nativite in France, Nadine Hamilius, Christine Jost and Paul Kieffer  from LTPES in Luxembourg, Rossana Andreia Neves dos Santos from University of Madeira in Portugal , Katarzyna Twardzik, Magdalena Witkowska , Jolanta Kłosek  and Natalia Kidoń from Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących w Pawłowicach in Poland and Monika Janovská and Ivana Špilínková from Gymnazium, Cesky Krumlov in Czech Republic. 

Thanks to various studies and research, schools now have access to many innovative teaching tools like project-based learning, non-formal education, outdoor education, and ICT. These can all be combined with traditional methods to enhance learning.
Project-based learning involves students tackling real-world problems by starting with a question and working through it in a meaningful way. This approach helps develop skills like teamwork, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

Non-formal education, using visual strategies and teambuilding games, allows students to learn by doing. This method follows Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, moving from reflection to conceptualization and application, actively engaging students in their learning process.
With ICT tools, teachers experienced an educational treasure hunt in Tenerife, exploring the city and learning about the benefits of gamification in a fun way. Gamification was shown to boost motivation and creativity while improving well-being through nature contact, reducing stress.

The course also covered innovative ICT teaching methods, allowing educators to discover new ways to engage students, assess learning, and deliver lessons effectively. By the end of the week, the high team spirit made it tough to say goodbye, but participants were eager to apply their new knowledge back home. The week ended with a sense of continued inspiration, ready to be implemented in various countries.
Discover more about this course here.