Description
This course has been created for teachers who want to foster a more dynamic, creative environment in the classroom to encourage and stimulate students’ interest in learning.
Teachers will have the opportunity to learn ‘by doing’ through a range of activities and experiences aimed toward promoting higher student self-esteem, increased student involvement, and greater cohesion among teachers, students, and their families.
This practical, hands-on course is designed to help participants understand, identify and combat early school-leaving, negative school-family relations, and the early signs of teacher burn-out.
By the end of the course, teachers will have acquired greater knowledge about how creativity, improved communication, and enhanced relational skills can be effective allies in discouraging school-leaving and favoring a more meaningful School Experience.
Concept by: Susan Gagliano
Learning outcomes
The course will help the participants to:
- Improve their knowledge of the ingredients of wellbeing, fun and enthusiasm at school and how to enhance them;
- Develop effective communication skills to improve school relations within students, colleagues and families;
- Understand motivation and how to stimulate it in yourself and others, thanks to practical group cohesion and team building activities;
- Understand burnout prevention and care techniques;
- Get more of the 3 Cs: Creativity, Critical thinking and Collaboration.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction & school environment
Course introduction
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools.
The importance of the school environment
- Lesson and activities regarding motives behind leaving school early;
- scholastic apathy and its consequences;
- the importance of school-student-family alliance and a school environment that promotes self-esteem in all.
Day 2 – Active positivity
- How to keep motivation high;
- Positive and clear communication, active listening, group cohesion;
- Ideas for student-led activities, conflict management, supportive learning;
- Practical activities, role play and discussion.
Day 3 – Thinking outside the box
- Creative and Dynamic Learning – Thinking Outside the Box – how new perspectives can promote academic motivation, trust and a refreshed sense of purpose;
- Body & Mind learning, alternative forms of expression, emotional intelligence;
- Practical group activities and discussion.
Day 4 – Positive school environment
- Mentoring and Scholastic Safety Nets;
- Understanding how the group – of teachers, of students and of families – can be an effective resource in creating a positive school environment.
Day 5 – Practice makes perfect
- Simulation of lessons by course members, using skills and strategies acquired during the week;
- Round up of abilities and competencies acquired;
- Class discussion of personal cases and brainstorming of possible strategies.
Day 6 – Course closure & cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round up of acquired competences, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance.
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.