HAPPY SCIENCE
TEACHERS' COURSES AND TRAININGS
COURSE IN RHODES
TIME TO ACT - NON FORMAL EDUCATION THROUGH IN &OUTDOOR METHODS TO EMPOWER STUDENTS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
From 21st to 25th October 2023, teachers of Primary School No. 13 in Zawiercie took part in the professional development course "TIME TO ACT - NON FORMAL EDUCATION THROUGH IN &OUTDOOR METHODS TO EMPOWER STUDENTS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION" on the Greek island of Rhodes. The aim of the training was to deepen the teachers’ knowledge in the field of "outdoor" education and to get to know new methods of work to be used during their classes. Course participants got to know the differences between formal, non-formal and informal learning, key competences and skills of the 21st century, the importance of soft skills in personal development and VARK learning styles. They improved their assertive communication skills. Cultural issues on the basis of an intercultural iceberg, school projects using the elevator pitch method and the relationship between creativity, intercultural learning and outdoor developmental education were discussed. Teachers learned about the benefits of science and nature activities by participating in workshops titled: "Scientific project" and field activities. They got to know types of outdoor education and planned their own "One Day Outdoor". They improved their skills in using the most effective informal learning methods that strengthen students' active participation. They learned how to plan dissemination and valorization activities as part of the project. Teachers visited the most important places and monuments in Rhodes: the capital of the island, Lyndos, Seven Springs (Epta Piges), Butterflies Valley, Tsambika Beach, Embonas and took part in a special "Greek Evening", learning about Greek culture, history and traditions. After evaluating the course, certificates confirming participation in the training were awarded.
Polish teachers visited the Greek school - ... getting to know Greek educational system, methods and techniques of work.
DISSEMINATION
After te course there was a cascading training of Polish teachers. During meeting of the Pedagogical Council held on ... the coordinator of the project sared nowledge gained during the course (new methods and techniques of work).
LESSON WITH A FORM TEACHER
Topic: Communication is the key to good relationships.
The aims of the lesson were: strengthening and deepening peer relationships, developing the ability to talk about your needs and feelings, gaining positive experiences in cooperation with other students and building a positive self-image. During the lesson the method of FACEBOOK WALL got to know during the course for teachers „TIME TO ACT- NON FORMAL EDUCATION THROUGH IN &OUTDOOR METHODS TO EMPOWER STUDENTS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION” was used.
JOB SHADOWING
of Polish teachers at Escola Básica dos 2.º e 3.º Ciclos do Caniço, Caniço, Madeira, Portugal
OBSERVATION OF LESSONS
12Polish teachers prepared a presentation concerning the knowledge they gained during job shadowing.
6Field activities – exploring the sea
Polish teachers could understand how the Portuguese school contributes to creating a culture of the sea, involving students in playful and educational activities in the context of the sea – “Escola de Mar”.
During the catamaran visit, the participants were able to visit the marine reserve area and learn about unique marine species understand the importance of creating spaces for species areas
13CONCLUSIONS FROM JOB SHADOWING
GENERATING GRAPHICS WITH AI
with the use of LEONARDO AI
During English classes, students described the photo (developing oral skills, deepening vocabulary: in the foreground, in the backgroud, at the bottom of the picture, etc., lanscape, description of appearance, parts of the body of animals).
COURSE IN SANTORINI
CLIL METHOD
GENERATING GRAPHICS WITH AI
Working with the pictures during the lessons of English
The task of the students was to generate graphics with the use of Adobe FireFly and makke the changes in the generated pictures. The pictures were used to develop the skill to describe a photo. The students practised:
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the construction: there is/are
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vocabulary related to landscape, colours, buildings and shapes
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The discussion on the theme 'My dream place to live' and 'My dream holidays' was followed.
VISIT OF PARTNERS IN SPAIN
Spanish school held the visit of partners from Turkey, Macedonia, Croatia, Portugal and Greece.
JOB SHADOWING IN AZORES SCHOOL
As part of the Erasmus+ project “Happy Science”, the management and teachers of Primary School No. 13 took part in a work observation of the partner school Escola Básica Integrada de Água de Pau located on the Portuguese island of São Miguel. The teachers gained knowledge about the structure of the Portuguese education system, especially in the Azores. They familiarised themselves with the science curriculum at the partner school. Through observation of classes and conversations with teachers and students, they learned about different methods of teaching science. By comparing teaching methods used in Poland and the Azores, the teachers exchanged experiences that enriched their professional development. The Polish teachers also shared their own teaching methods and challenges they face in their classrooms, creating a rich dialogue with their Azorean partners. These discussions proved mutually beneficial, as both groups gained new perspectives on effective teaching practices. The collaborative atmosphere that was created during the teachers’ meetings encouraged open communication, which led to the exploration of new ideas that could be introduced into the Polish school system.
2CULTURAL VISITS
The Azores, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is a fascinating mix of geography, history and culture, which Polish teachers discovered while observing the work of a partner school, Escola Básica Integrada de Água de Pau, located on the island of São Miguel. While exploring key sites, they learned about the rich traditions and customs that define life in the Azores. The landscape is dotted with monuments, each telling a story that connects the past with the present, showing that Azorean culture is deeply intertwined with its unique geographical features. Observing the work of a partner school in the Azores provided Polish teachers with an enriching experience. This hands-on approach allowed them to gain insight into educational practices and community dynamics, increasing their understanding of how these elements shape the lives of Azorean people.
JOB SHADOWING - PORTUGUESE TEACHERS AT POLISH SCHOOL
As part of a job-shadowing activity, teachers and administrative staff from Madeira visited Primary School No. 13 in Zawiercie to gain insight into the Polish educational system and observe everyday school life. During their stay, they were introduced to the organizational structure of the school, including internal procedures, the responsibilities of the school management team, and the role of subject teams in planning and coordinating teaching. They became acquainted with the principles of maintaining school documentation, internal evaluation processes, and strategies for ensuring educational quality and student support. The visitors had the opportunity to observe various lessons, where they focused on the methods used by Polish teachers to engage students, differentiate instruction, and integrate innovative teaching techniques such as project-based learning, outdoor education, and the use of digital tools. The visit fostered a rich exchange of experiences and good practices between the Polish and Portuguese educators. Both sides shared ideas on classroom management, inclusive education, and school administration. The job-shadowing experience was mutually inspiring and contributed to strengthening international cooperation and professional development.
14JOB SHADOWING OF PORTUGUESE TEACHERS
EB23 do Caniço, a school that has been welcoming an increasing number of foreign students, is becoming a model in terms of student inclusion and the promotion of digital literacy thanks to educational mobilities - job shadowing in countries such as Poland, Romania, and Spain.
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