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In our fast-changing world, education is a cornerstone of societal progress. As technology evolves and learners' needs shift, traditional teaching methods often struggle to keep up. This is where innovative teaching methodologies become essential. These modern approaches enhance the learning experience, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. The course “Innovative Teaching Methods for Teachers, School, and Adult Education Staff” introduces new teaching strategies, always tailored to the realities and needs of participants. The new edition of the course took place in Tenerife from 10/03/2025 to 14/03/2025. The participants were coming from all across Europe: with Anna and Ryszard, coming from Zespol Szkolno-Przedszkolny W Slodkowie in Poland, Judit, Krisztina, Agnes and Szilvia from Szekesfehervai Teleki Blanka Gimnazium in Hungary, Ewa from SZS Nymburk in Czech Republic, Isabelle, Eleonore and Marie-Helene from College Les Deux Canons in France, Ella from CVO Volt in Belgium, Lucie from Lycee Marguerite Jauzelon in France, Barbara, Marta, Andrzej and Jaroslaw from Zespol Szkol Ponadpodstawoych Nr 2 w Kepnie in Poland. 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 begins by emphasizing the growing importance of critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. The first session explores how innovative teaching methodologies, such as experiential and inquiry-based learning, equip students with these essential skills. Additionally, we discuss the shifting role of educators as facilitators, fostering learning environments that inspire students to explore, question, and innovate. On Tuesday, the focus turns to Project-Based Learning (PBL), a teaching approach that transforms the classroom into a dynamic space for inquiry and problem-solving. By working on extended projects that address real-world challenges, students develop a deeper understanding of content while enhancing their critical thinking, collaboration, and self-management skills. Participants also explore strategies for designing and implementing PBL in various educational settings, considering differentiated learning needs to keep students motivated and engaged. Thursday’s session highlights the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in the classroom to enhance student engagement. In today’s digital world, traditional lectures can sometimes feel disconnected from students' everyday experiences. By incorporating ICT tools such as interactive presentations, quizzes, and educational games, educators can create more engaging, immersive learning experiences that foster active participation and deeper understanding. On Friday, the course concluded with a hands-on application of the week's learning through a city-wide treasure hunt, guided by an ICT tool. This activity demonstrated how outdoor education can be combined with technology to create engaging, immersive learning experiences. By integrating real-world exploration with digital tools, outdoor education encourages students to interact with their environment and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. 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 Tenerife! 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.  Generations that are raised in the outdoor are more likely to care for the environment and for our planet. Considering that, Outdoor education has not only a considerable impact on the cognitive, behavioural and emotional development of preschoolers, but is especially important for our environment due to the state of climate change. This innovative teaching approach we discussed in our course during the week, offers the possibility to address two of the most important topics of today’s society: providing long-lasting high quality education and raising awareness on the importance of preserving our planet in the face of the daunting threat of climate change.  The new edition of the course “Outdoor education for preschool teachers” took place in Palermo from 02/03/2025 to 08/03/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Sari Huczkowski, Helena Lindström and Susanne Abrahamsson from Luleå Kommun Förskola in Sweden, Kristine Engnes and Anne-Marie Borud Vraalsen from Lillestrøm kommune – Ramstadskogen barnehage in Norway and Siv-Lillian H Amundsen and Andrea Rosendal Pettersen from Lillestrøm kommune – Dalen barnehage in Norway. First of all, we created a definition of Outdoor Education, then, to dive deeper into the topic, we analysed and discussed the benefits of Outdoor Education and the participants had the chance to share their own experience with teaching in nature. As this course was specifically addressed to preschool teachers, the participants also discovered the Italian education system. Moreover, in order to compare their different approaches, they shared presentations of their own schools. Another part of the course was focused on discovering a natural environment in a local park and practicing activities there. After testing some games, challenges and activities, our participants started planning their own outdoor activities, adapting them to the needs of their students. Furthermore, the participants also learnt about the importance of outdoor space planning by discovering selected areas in advance in order to minimize the risks. They identified the most interesting, potentially dangerous, play and rest areas in an outdoor space and created a map out of that knowledge. This hands-on approach allowed them to plan outdoor activities for their pupils in a safer way. By visiting two local outdoor schools, Eco Scuola Montessori and Istituto Minutoli, the participants had the chance to see an efficient example of outdoor learning not only from a practical point of view but also by seeing children interacting between themselves and with nature. Finally, the last part of the course was dedicated to learning and applying green skills in their classes. After talking about some theory regarding climate change, the participants practiced games that they can use in order to introduce the topic to young children. After this week, the participants were bringing home a lot of new tools and activities that they will be able to replicate with their students, showing that learning doesn’t happen only inside a classroom!  Discover more about this course here.
We all know the challenge: finding ways to teach while still having fun can be tough. But using innovative methods can truly make a difference, especially with young students. It's essential to motivate them and boost their learning through play. The good news is that there are plenty of tools we can use in the preschool environment today. Project-based learning, non-formal education, outdoor activities, and creative games are just a few of the many options that we have!  A new edition of the course “Innovative teaching methods for preschool teachers” took place in Palermo from 02/03/2025 to 08/03/2024. The participants came from Panevėžio lopšelis- darželis ,,Taika" in Lithuania with Inga Sivinskienė, Neringa Stočkienė and Irena Meiduvienė and from Måsan barnehage in Norway with Lillian Kjelsberg, Sissel Falk-Birkeland and Ann-Kristin Møllerstuen Rødseth. An Erasmus experience wouldn’t be complete without exchanging cultures and best practices. That’s why we began our training with a presentation of all the schools, following an overview of the Italian preschool system. The participants shared images, videos, and their best practices with the group. The first topic we explored was innovation in the preschool system. We began by discussing social-emotional learning, using Kolb’s experiential learning cycle as a framework. This approach helps students move from reflection to conceptualization and application, giving them an active role in the learning process. Of course, we also took part in as many games and activities as possible. The teachers had to showcase their drawing, dancing, and singing talents for the rest of the group! ;) To not only talk about Preschool Education inside the walls of the classroom, we also visited two schools in Palermo: Eco Scuola Montessori and Istituto Minutoli during the week, where we were also shown their approach of Outdoor Education. Through Outdoor Education the teachers can achieve, on one hand, an increase in motivation and creativity; on the other, the improvement of the psychophysical well-being thanks to the contact with nature and the consequent reduction of the stress. Moreover, we discussed Project Based Learning by looking at examples, different features and ways to introduce it in the classroom. This innovative method that allows students to delve into content in a more direct and meaningful way, starts from a topic question and tries to investigate real world issues. Working in a team and using their creativity can help our youngest students to discover a way to deal with real world problems, learning strategically and searching for the answers from the start, with the help of the teacher. With that knowledge the participants analysed the principles of PBL and found ways to apply it in their classes. By the last day, a lot of challenges “forced” the participants to think out of the box and made them explore the power of creativity. After that it was very hard to say goodbye. However, the participants were also looking forward to applying all the ideas that emerged during the course in their own classes at home. Another great week of inspiration was over, but only to be continued back in their countries.  Discover more about this course here.
 Inclusion is a fundamental right and a key pillar of quality education, especially in early childhood. However, many children with behavioral disorders face significant barriers to full participation in preschool settings. The PINC (Empowering Preschool educators: best practices and resources for INclusion of Children with behavioral disabilities) project, funded under the Erasmus+ KA2 program, is dedicated to improving inclusive education practices and supporting preschool educators in addressing the needs of all children, particularly those with behavioral disorders.
What is PINC? PINC is an international partnership that brings together experts and educators from Spain, Romania, Lithuania, Estonia, and Italy to develop innovative strategies and resources for fostering inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care. The project aims to raise awareness, share best practices, and equip preschool professionals with the necessary tools to create more inclusive learning environments. The project is designed to:
Children with behavioral disorders often struggle with learning, communication, and social interaction, which can lead to exclusion from early education opportunities. By equipping educators with inclusive teaching methods, PINC ensures that all children, regardless of their challenges, can fully participate in preschool activities and receive the support they need to thrive. Get Involved! The PINC project is not just for educators—it is a resource for parents, policymakers, and organizations that advocate for inclusive education. We invite everyone to explore our resources, participate in our training, and join us in making preschool education more accessible and inclusive for all children. For more information, visit our website: https://eu-pinc.weebly.com/ In today's rapidly evolving world, education plays a crucial role in shaping our society’s future. 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 Palermo from 02/03/2025 to 08/03/2025. The participants were coming from all across Europe with Carsten from IGS Franzsches Feld Braunschweig in Germany, Céline from Collège Gérard Philipe in France, Josu from CIP Estella and Alicia and Fernando from CEIP La PRADERA in Spain, Fany and Ineke from Athenaum Calmeyn & Innova in Belgium and last but not least Sanja, Cathrin, Roland, Irina, Anuwat and Aytekin from Solna stad in Sweden. Nowadays we can find a variety of tools that can be used at school, such as project-based learning, non-formal education, outdoor education, and ICT. These are some of the many opportunities that can be integrated with traditional teaching methods. We started the course with the introduction on innovative teaching methods and non-formal education as well as the evolving role of educators as facilitators and guides, creating learning environments that encourage students to explore, question, and innovate. We also explored how skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration are increasingly vital. 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 while being motivated. The participants also delved into non formal education activities. On Thursday participants had the chance to discover a new application learning through a city-wide treasure hunt, facilitated by an ICT tool (Action Bound). 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 also made the participants know Palermo better! On Friday, nevertheless, the participants learned about peer feedback and assessment, through specific activities to differentiate diverse methods to provide feedback. Moreover, they discovered gamification, such as applications to make online scape rooms to make learning more fun and interactive.  By the end of this course, participants will have a deep 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. Learning to be around nature has a considerable impact on the cognitive, behavioural and emotional development of preschoolers. This is especially important considering the state of climate change and the fact that a generation that was raised in the outdoor is more likely to care for the environment and for our planet. Outdoor education is an innovative teaching approach that offers the possibility to address two of the most important topics of today’s society: providing long-lasting high quality education and raising awareness on the importance of preserving our planet in the face of the daunting threat of climate change. A new edition of the courses "Innovative teaching methods for preschool teachers" and "Outdoor education for preschool teachers" took place in Bologna from 02/03/2025 to 08/03/2025. The participants came from various European countries, including Carolin Lundberg, Erika Jonsson, Linda Kokkonen, and Oskar Nordström from Luleå kommun förskola (Sweden); Pernilla Lundevall, Eva Grönlund, Sara Johansson, Hanna Nystrand, Johanna Bennysdotter, and Anna-Karin Ahlberg from Gävle kommun (Sweden); Nathalie Muller from Chabestan maternelle (France); Klara Bajec from Vrtec Ledina (Slovenia); and Manuela Berruezo Salas and Francisca Fernández Romero from CEIP. Ciudad de Baza (Spain).  The course began with a session dedicated to school presentations, allowing participants to share insights into their institutions and best practices. This session also included an introduction to the Italian preschool model, fostering discussion on different approaches to early childhood education across Europe. On Tuesday, the group engaged in outdoor activities in Giardini Margherita, experiencing firsthand how nature can enhance the psychophysical well-being of children. The participants explored innovative ways to integrate outdoor education into their curricula, emphasizing the role of nature in fostering motivation, creativity, and stress reduction. Wednesday was dedicated to Project-Based Learning (PBL), an innovative teaching method that allows students to delve into content in a meaningful way. By starting from a key question and investigating real-world issues, young learners develop teamwork, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. The course participants had the opportunity to explore various PBL approaches and discuss how to introduce them effectively in preschool education. On Thursday, the group visited "Naturalmente Bambini," a preschool that exemplifies outdoor education in action. The visit provided valuable insights into how children interact with nature in a structured yet flexible learning environment. Observing the daily activities at the preschool allowed participants to reflect on the benefits of outdoor learning and consider how to implement similar approaches in their own institutions. The final day of the course focused on encouraging creativity in the classroom. Through hands-on activities and challenges, participants were inspired to think outside the box and discover innovative ways to nurture children's creativity. By the end of the week, the team spirit was so strong that saying goodbye was difficult. However, everyone left with a wealth of new ideas, motivation, and a strong desire to implement their learnings back home.  This course once again proved that learning doesn’t happen only inside a classroom—especially for the youngest students! Through collaboration, outdoor exploration, and creative methodologies, educators can make learning more engaging and meaningful for their students.
Discover more about this course here. Bullying, whether online or in-person, negatively affects not only the victims and survivors but also the bullies themselves. This course aims to explore effective strategies for preventing all forms of bullying in educational and school environments. The new edition of the course “How to stop bullying and cyberbullying in schools and promote social emotional learning” took place in Palermo from 23/02/2025 to 01/03/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Sadbh McNamara from School Street and Thomas Court Bawn Family Resources Centre CLG in Ireland, Anumaija Hankilanoja and Sarah Harvala from International School of Vantaa in Finland, Andreas Aust and Kathrin Schäfer from Else-Hirsch-Schule in Germany, Andreas Kofinakis and Eliana Kanaveli from 1st GENIKO LYKEIO AGIAS VARVARAS in Greece and Fatma Bajram Azemovska, Gordana Gjorgievska Nedelkovski, Milena Trajchevska, Julijana Hristovska Kulevska and Viktorija Mihajlovska from National institution University Library "St. Kliment Ohridski" – Bitola in North Macedonia.  We began with an introduction day where we brainstormed various types of bullying behaviors: What forms can bullying take? Who are the participants of a bullying situation? What are the three main factors that differentiate bullying from a conflict? Moreover, we considered the victim: What risk factors contribute to children being bullied? How can we prevent these situations? What initiatives can be implemented to prevent bullying behaviors? We explored these topics from four different perspectives: family, school, individual, and community. One of the most challenging forms of bullying to eliminate is cyber bullying. In today’s world, the internet plays a significant role in the lives of children, and while it can have a negative impact, it also offers some positive aspects. Through practical activities, we explored the world of cyber bullying. We also discussed the differences and similarities between traditional and cyber bullying. To understand and empathize with bullying victims, we carried out a powerful activity that can be used with students, parents and teachers to raise awareness. To prevent bullying behaviors, it’s essential to create a positive classroom environment. That’s why we focused on topics such as emotional intelligence, membership, inclusion, and collaboration—key pillars for fostering a supportive classroom. We approached these themes through engaging non-formal activities and creative games, ensuring that the learning experience was anything but boring! :)  Discover more about this course here.
Today is more than important to work on factors that can help preventing and managing Early School Leaving and conflicts. This is the aim of this training course which topic is every day more and more crucial even if there are no easy answers. With a holistic approach in mind, during the course the participants learned how to identify the causes of this phenomenon and the best approaches and strategies to prevent, tackle and reduce it as well as the keys to conflict management. The new edition of the course “Preventing conflicts and tackling Early School Leaving” took place in Palermo from 23/02/2025 to 01/03/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Lauri from Ammattiopisto Live in Finland, Marleen and Kaya from Förderzentrum am Göteborgring and Wolfgang from reis Soest in Germany, Vera, Marette and Rick from Hogeschool Inholland and Claudia from Hout- en Meubileringscollege in the Netherlands. Early school leaving is a widespread problem across Europe and being in a European context, participants delved into the different perspectives of countries but also at the national level. To kick off with the course, they focused on the definition of Early School Leaving and the identification of the main risk factors. This allowed the participants to draw and share a realistic picture of their school experience with Early School Leaving, starting from the underlying causes, and finishing with the potential consequences. We started from the assumption that in order to develop an early school leaving approach, teachers need to connect with students, since being closer to their interests and their feelings its crucial. The participants engaged in hands-on activities to learn about the importance of active listening and emotional intelligence in creating social connection. Conflict management was another important topic during the course. First, we dedicated some time for a change of perspective. With the support of an inspirational TED Talk, the group who initially associated the idea of conflict to something essentially negative, realized afterwards how conflicts provided in their life unique opportunities to improve their relationship, communication and understanding. Afterwards, the group practiced different activities to reflect the importance of membership and collaboration and strategies for collaborative work and peer-education were analysed, following a non-formal methodology. Participants also had the chance learn how to give and receive feedback, through practical activities to explore the different types of feedback and their effect in not only students but in colleagues. In fact, role play activities were carried out to explore how students react to feedback. Moreover, the participants engaged in a team challenge that allowed them to learn how to foster a mindset of growth in our students.  Finally, “transformation” has been the key word of this course, since we learned how to change perspective on conflicts, to give and receive feedback, to change our mindset from fixed to growth and to transform from a group into a team.
Discover more about this course here. 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. 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.  |
Welcome to the ELA Blog. Here you will find articles and photos of our courses and have a look at the topics addressed during the week in Bologna, Palermo and Tenerife. You will also have the chance to take a peek at our projects and check out what we have been up to.
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