Effective Communication and Public Speaking for teachers and education staff / Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence for teachers and education staff

Fostering emotional intelligence and soft skills in education is essential to creating respectful, collaborative, and emotionally aware learning environments. During this one-week training program, educators from different European countries took part in experiential workshops and reflective discussions aimed at improving their communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
​
The course “Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence for Teachers and Education Staff” took place in Bologna from 08/06/2025 – 14/06/2025. The participants came from various countries across Europe, including Anneloes Pilon, Claudia Wentholt, and Corina Dykstra Stap from TaalSchool Lelystad in the Netherlands. Anna Torres Fornés from IES XEBIC and Noelia Patiño Arias and M. Dolores Roldan Villaverde from CEIP Luis Seoane in Spain. Martin Fischer from Schule für Erwachsene Osthessen in Germany. Sara Santos and Ana Simões from Escola Profissional de Tondela in Portugal.

The week began with a deep dive into the concept of competences. Participants discussed the differences between knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and reflected on why these distinctions matter in today’s classrooms. The session also covered the key 21st century skills needed by both teachers and students, followed by practical activities, encouraging participants to put empathy and attention into practice.

On Tuesday, the focus shifted to emotional intelligence. Through the lens of Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence model, participants explored how to help students better recognize, name, and manage their emotions. A range of interactive activities helped bring theory into practice, giving teachers tools to promote emotional awareness in their own classrooms.
​
Wednesday’s sessions revolved around conflict management. Teachers examined how different perceptions and misunderstandings can spark conflict, and how to approach them constructively. Various conflict styles were introduced, alongside methods to manage difficult situations with confidence. The day ended with a session on assertive communication, where participants practiced techniques for expressing themselves clearly and respectfully.

On Thursday, the group explored creative strategies for handling debates and disagreements using Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats method. This engaging tool helped participants understand how different perspectives can be managed in group settings. Later, attention turned to public speaking, with practical exercises focused on delivery, clarity, and body language. Teachers also discussed the importance of giving and receiving feedback, especially in spoken presentations.

The final day, Friday, was all about teamwork and leadership. Participants learned how to give and receive constructive feedback, and explored peer feedback techniques to use with their students. They also studied Goleman’s six leadership styles, reflecting on how leadership affects classroom dynamics. To wrap up the week, a group activity encouraged participants to use what they had learned to collaborate effectively, understand team roles, and build stronger working relationships.
​
Discover more about this course here.