The project is based on the experience of the EDC on promoting integration and active citizenship through formal and informal learning activities in schools for teachers and students.
Current project will consist of four main blocks:
1) preparation of the professional development course for teachers and school administration, based on the best practices and experiences from Latvia and abroad in promoting students inquiry, critical thinking, media literacy, cultural awareness and expression, participation, cooperation and other skills;
2) selection of the school teams for participation in the project;
3) planning and implementation of the four day Summer school “Improvement of the personal and professional competences of the teachers for promoting students’ participation, cooperation and integration” where teams from schools (consisting of the representative of the school administration and classroom teacher);
4) future planning and providing support to the involved schools in applying new knowledge and experiences.
Ongoing PR and dissemination of the information will also take place through the website and Facebook account of the EDC.
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In July 30th – August 2nd four day Summer school “Improvement of the personal and professional competences of the teachers for promoting students’ participation, cooperation and integration” took place where teams from 26 schools representing all regions of Latvian took part. Summer school was the culminating event within the project “Participation, Cooperation, Integration: Together in the 21st century” implemented by the Education Development Center (EDC). Summer school gallery
The goal of the Summer school was to provide learning opportunities for teachers to experience diverse forms of learning, such as team building activities, brainstorming, reflection, cultural experiences, group work, lectures, interactive presentations etc. in order to strengthen and deepen critical thinking, media literacy, cooperation, communication and other skills needed in the 21st century and in teaching profession in particularly.
52 persons took part in the Summer school; each school had one representative of the administration and one classroom teacher. All regions (Latgale with 6, Kurzeme with 3, Zemgale with 5, Vidzeme with 5and Rīga with 7 schools) as well as different types of schools (small rural schools, city gymnasiums, primary and secondary schools) with diverse educational programs (e.g., special education, minority educational programs etc.) were represented and engaged in work in mixed groups.
The ultimate goal of the activities is to provide circumstances for change of attitude and engaging in meaningful action at the personal and group level, based on increased knowledge, improved skills and deeper understanding of civic virtues and circumstances of the 21st century. Teachers were encouraged to process all activities and immediately connect newly gained knowledge, skills and attitudes with their personal, professional and civic identity and action. Each school developed plan of activities for implementing in their schools and communities after returning home during the new school year. The most valuables ideas will be summarized and published on the EDC website.
Days were full of fun, exchange in formal and informal environment, mutual learning and development of new contacts for future cooperation. At the end of the Summer school participants received also formal recognition - Certificates for professional development, recognized by the Riga City Council Education department.
The project is funded by the British Council.