SCHOOL VISITS:

EMPOWERING EDUCATORS ABROAD.

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COURSE INFORMATION

This course offers an immersive opportunity for educators from across Europe to gain insights into the Icelandic school and educational system. Renowned for its innovative approaches and successful outcomes, the Icelandic education system serves as a model for educators worldwide.

 

The course is addressed at teachers of all school types, all school types will be visited. Staff and teachers of all different subjects and levels will enjoy this school visit course that includes collaborative workshops and exchange ideas, creating new contacts for future international cooperation.

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METHODOLOGY

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The course employs a blend of practical workshops, discussions, presentations, and experiential learning activities. Participants will actively engage in learning-by-doing on the eTwinning platform. Short lectures ensure comprehension, while networking and collaborative activities facilitate the exchange of best practices and professional cooperation and development.

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The methodology of this course is designed to provide participants with a holistic understanding of the Icelandic education system. Through a combination of interactive presentations, reflective discussions, and immersive school visits, participants will engage in active learning experiences. The course encourages collaborative dialogue among participants, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices. By integrating theoretical insights with practical observations, the methodology aims to inspire participants to critically reflect on their own teaching practices and explore new approaches informed by the Icelandic context.

 

Through a blend of presentations, discussions, and school visits in Reykjavík and its picturesque surrounding communities, participants will deepen their understanding of Icelandic educational practices and gain valuable perspectives to enrich their own teaching methodologies and classroom settings.

 

Our experienced trainers will support and stimulate the networking and cooperation among participants. We organize workshops, networking and cultural activities in order to give participants the opportunity to exchange best-practices and establish professional cooperation and links. These activities will take part not only participants of the course but also other participants from different courses attended by the company.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Gain insights into the key features, principles, and success factors of the Icelandic education system.

• Explore diverse educational practices across different school levels, from early childhood education to upper secondary and vocational training.

• Observe classes, interact with students and teachers, and engage in discussions with educational leaders during school visits.

• Foster cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration among educators from diverse backgrounds.

• Reflect on the applicability of Icelandic educational practices to participants' own teaching contexts.

• Enhance professional development and broaden participants' perspectives on innovative teaching methodologies.

• Make contacts with new partners interested in developing European Projects through specific networking activities.

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DAILY PROGRAMME

 

DAY 1 - SUNDAY:

Meeting and greeting with the manager of the company, trainers and locals.

Individual orientation and information about the venue and the country.

Round up presentation and networking among all participants.

Guided city tour.

 

DAYS 2 TO 6 - MONDAY TO FRIDAY:

Full-day school visits to institutions across Reykjavik and its vicinity, spanning all levels of education (early childhood, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and vocational). Each visit includes:

• Observation of classes and teaching methodologies

• Interactions with students, teachers, and educational leaders

• Guided tours of school facilities

• Opportunities for discussions and Q&A sessions with school staff

 

After every visit there will be a small task - to fill in the most important insights and learnings of the visit into a collaborative tool in order to capture immediate thoughts, ideas and pictures for later discussion and recap.

Depending on Government schedules and availability, a visit to the Ministry of Education of Iceland or Directorate of Education will be arranged.

One day of the week and depending on National holidays and on the organisation of the course, will offer the chance to introduce the participants' organisation. Each participant will present their school through prepared presentations, offering insights into their own school’s and country’s educational context. Moreover, a session providing an introduction to the Icelandic school system, covering its key features, principles, and success factors will take place.

A reflection and implementation session will be held on Friday afternoon, allowing participants to share insights and define key takeaways from the week's experiences. The participants will be working on strategies on how their schools at home can benefit from the learnings of the week.

 

Closing ceremony and certificate presentation.

 

DAY 7 - SATURDAY:

Course evaluation.

Releasing official course certifications.

Free cultural activity in the city.

Participants departure.

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 DATES:

The course will attend editions during academic course 2024 and 2025 in the following dates:

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2024:

ICELAND – REYKJAVÍK:

-       From Sunday 6th October to Saturday 12th.

-       From Sunday 13th October to Saturday 19th. CONFIRMED!

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2025:

ICELAND – REYKJAVÍK:

• From Sunday 2nd March to Saturday 8th.

• From Sunday 27th April to Saturday 3rd May.

• From Sunday 12th October to Saturday 18th.

 

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COST AND ERASMUS + FUNDING

The cost of the seven day course is 640€ and includes course fees, free cultural activities in the city during the week and certification of attendance. Organizational costs can be charged if registration comes from an intermediate company. The company offers an Optional cultural package to deepen the relationship between all participants.

The training course is tailored to be fully funded by Erasmus + to teachers, trainers, headmasters and any other staff of education organizations. Furthermore trainers can help in Key Action 1 Application to ensure that participants can get the grant and could be eligible to receive an Erasmus + grant that covers all the costs of the course.