Three inspiring mornings, one engaging afternoon each day, three experienced teachers, and one shared goal: empowering educators to transform learning through Project-based learning (PBL) and Critical thinking.
Our Erasmus+ course offered participants a practical and collaborative journey into innovative teaching methodologies that place students at the center of the learning process. Throughout the course, we explored how PBL aligns with current European educational policies and supports innovation, creativity, and the development of critical thinking skills.
The programme guided participants step by step through the world of Project-based learning. We began by examining EU policies and educational trends, understanding how PBL fits within the European framework for innovation and lifelong learning. Participants then discovered the different approaches to PBL, learning when and how this methodology can be successfully implemented in diverse educational settings.
The course was highly practical. Teachers shared classroom experiences, digital tools, and best practices to support effective project design. Together, we discussed common challenges in implementing PBL and developed strategies to create well-structured, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences. By analysing examples of successful lesson plans, participants gained the confidence to design projects tailored to their own schools and students.
The second part of the course focused on Critical thinking, one of the key competencies for 21st-century learners. Participants learned how to build critical thinking into learning outcomes, classroom activities, and assessment methods across different disciplines. Through practical workshops, they explored how to design lessons that encourage students to ask meaningful questions, analyse information, solve problems creatively, and become independent thinkers.
The most valuable outcome of the course was that every participant returned home with a complete Project-based learning plan ready to be implemented in their own school starting this September. Beyond new knowledge, they also developed a strategy for sharing these innovative practices with colleagues, ensuring that the impact of the course extends far beyond the classroom.
The week was filled with action based activities and international exchange that reminded us that education grows stronger when teachers learn from one another.
Join us on our next Erasmus+ course! We can’t wait to meet you, exchange ideas, and build the future of education together.
Author: Sonia Simpatico – JUMP Trainer
