Description
Forestry is an important economic sector in Norway and Slovakia. Access to the forest, its cultivation and ecology is in many ways different and knowing other approaches would be mutually rewarding. The project will focus on the topics of common interest – the possibilities of ecological forest use, protection versus tourism in national parks, a comparison of the 2 specific national parks in Slovakia and in Norway. Activities are focused on the needs of the pupils to acquire professional and linguistic skills in their field of study - from the Slovak side specialization operator of forest machinery and management of tourism, from the Norwegian side specialization management of nature. By the mutual sharing of knowledge the schools will inspire each other in the development of study programmes and teaching aids (multimedia presentations, instructional texts, brochures, articles) that can be used in daily teaching practice. Participants will be able to learn about the school system in Norway and see the similarities and differences with the school system of the Slovak Republic.
Summary of project results
The project aim was to increase bilateral cooperation between upper-secondary vocational schools in Banská Štiavnica and Sønsterud. Realised activities have influenced all the students and employees at both partner institutions. Except the other benefits, participants have learned about the topics of common interest – nature, protection, forest, national parks, and eco-tourism. The outcome of the cooperation is improvement of bilateral relationships, as well as new teaching materials and publicity materials. 10 Slovak and 8 Norwegian Students visited the partner country. 4 knowledge contests for students, and 33 excursions were organised, as well as distance cooperation. In total the project involved more than 300 persons form both countries. Teachers prepared 8 joint teaching materials and exchanged the ideas for teaching as well as for the school management. Teaching materials are used on several subjects - national language, English, forestry, ecology, management, tourism, history, biology. They can be used as didactical aids in different years and in several thematic units. Schools have been inspired to develop curricula and teaching aids that can be used in everyday practice. Participants learned about the school system in Slovakia and Norway. The project raised awareness for the environmental protection and students as well as teachers have practiced communication in English. Mobility have helped to reduce regional economic and social differences, allowing to travel abroad for the students who, for economic reasons, lack of confidence and the support of the neighbourhood, could not afford to travel or take part in the activities, which were realised thanks to the project.
Summary of bilateral results
The donor project partner Solør upper-secondary school, Sønsterud was an equal partner involved in all project activities. Slovak school used bilateral funds for visiting the Norwegian partner in August 2014, in order to discuss the possibilities of mutual cooperation and plan activities of the project. During the project implementation participants learned the different cultural and social environment in Slovakia and in Norway and gained experience with international project. Teachers prepared 8 joint teaching materials and exchanged the ideas for teaching as well as for the school management. At the meetings of 4 school leaders, the staff has discussed the Slovak and Norwegian education system, the financial and material possibilities of the school in the creation and implementation of educational programs, excursions, everyday school practice in individual departments. Wider effect of the project was the meeting of both Slovak and Norwegian teachers and students with the government officials – Ambassadors of both countries. Implementers created the “time and space” for the mutual meetings with the local representatives – mayors of Banská Štiavnica and Flisa (Sønsterud).