Unleashing the European Dimension: Empowering Educators for Global Collaboration

Course overview

This intensive 5-day professional development course is designed to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate a strong European dimension into their teaching practices. Participants will explore European educational frameworks, cultural diversity, and collaborative learning, gaining practical insights into fostering a globally-minded and inclusive educational environment.

The course will delve into the foundations of European educational frameworks and policies, providing participants with an understanding of key documents such as the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Participants will engage in discussions and case studies to analyze the impact of European policies on national education systems.

Emphasis will be placed on celebrating and integrating cultural diversity within the classroom. Participants will attend interactive workshops and panel discussions, learning strategies to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives into lesson planning and fostering inclusivity in multicultural classrooms.

The course will introduce participants to digital tools and platforms for European collaboration, enabling them to engage in hands-on sessions and learn about successful cross-border projects. Participants will have the opportunity to set up accounts on selected collaboration platforms and begin ideating their own collaborative projects.

Project-based learning will be a central focus, with participants embracing this approach to enhance the European dimension in their teaching practices. Through case study analysis and guided group activities, participants will create project outlines that integrate multiple European perspectives, receiving peer feedback and refining their ideas.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided cultural visit within Čakovec and Međimurje County. This visit will allow participants to explore local heritage sites, sustainable initiatives, or eco-conscious organizations, drawing inspiration and practical examples for integrating cultural elements and sustainable practices into their collaborative projects.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Introduction to the European Dimension in Education

  • Icebreakers and networking activities
  • Introduction to the course and participants
  • Overview of the course methodology and expectations
  • Introduction to European educational frameworks and policies
  • Exploring the importance of integrating the European dimension in teaching and learning
  • Group discussions: Sharing personal experiences and challenges in fostering global perspectives in education

Day 2: Embracing cultural diversity in the classroom

  • Strategies for understanding and celebrating cultural diversity within Europe
  • Interactive workshop on incorporating diverse cultural perspectives in lesson planning
  • Discussion on fostering inclusivity in multicultural classrooms
  • Small group activity: Designing sample lesson plans with an emphasis on cultural integration

Day 3: Collaborative tools and cultural exploration

  • Introduction to digital tools and platforms for European collaboration
  • Hands-on session on using collaborative tools such as virtual whiteboards and project management platforms
  • Success stories of using technology for cross-border projects
  • Workshop: Setting up participant accounts on selected collaboration platforms and initial project ideation
  • Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local heritage and sustainability practices
  • Post-visit activities: Incorporating cultural elements and sustainable practices into collaborative project ideas

Day 4: Project-based learning for a global classroom

  • Embracing project-based learning to enhance the European dimension
  • Case study analysis of successful European collaborative projects
  • Group activity: Creating a project outline integrating multiple European perspectives
  • Group review and feedback

Day 5: Assessment and future integration

  • Methods for assessing and recognizing European competencies
  • Developing assessment tools aligned with project-based learning outcomes
  • Steps for integrating European perspectives into their future teaching practices
  • Group review and feedback
  • Course review and feedback
  • Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

  • Analyze the foundations of European educational frameworks and policies, including key documents such as the EQF and ECTS, and their impact on national education systems.
  • Integrate strategies to celebrate and promote cultural diversity within their classrooms, fostering an inclusive and globally-minded learning environment.
  • Utilize digital tools and platforms for European collaboration and initiating collaborative project ideas.
  • Design project-based learning experiences that integrate multiple European perspectives, enhancing the European dimension in their teaching practices.
  • Develop assessment tools aligned with project-based learning outcomes, recognizing and evaluating European competencies in their students.
  • Incorporate cultural elements and sustainable practices observed during the guided cultural visit into their collaborative projects and teaching methodologies.
  • Collaborate with fellow educators to share best practices, strategies, and resources for integrating the European dimension into their teaching practices.
  • Formulate a personalized action plan for integrating European perspectives into their future teaching practices, fostering global collaboration and cultural exchange.
  • Establish a network with fellow educators for ongoing collaboration and support in implementing the European dimension in their educational settings.
  • Gain confidence in navigating the European educational landscape, promoting global citizenship and intercultural understanding among their students.

Course fee:

  • 400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

  • At least 25 hours of course content;
  • Course materials;
  • Certificate of participation;
  • Europass, on request;
  • Learning / Mobility Agreement;
  • Visits to local institutions, if available;
  • Personalized support;
  • Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
  • Refreshments;
  • Administration costs;
  • Dissemination materials.
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