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Description
The project responds to the long-term unresolved situation of schools in providing a kind of counseling and quality training of teachers which prevents segregation in education. It connects formal and informal system of in-service teacher education and supports internal capacity of state and academic institutions through an educational and counseling program tailored to counselors, teachers and methodologists to effectively prevent school failures in their own practice and as future lecturers.
The primary target group of this project are practitioners, methodologists and teachers'' counselors in the field of professional development, working in regions with the highest proportion of Roma living in a socially determined environment, marginalization and at the same time in regions with the highest proportion of school failure of children and youth.
Targeted recruitment will create a group of 15-20 participants who have the potential to influence educational practice and the potential to become teachers of educational and counseling module focused on professional development of teachers, elimination of prejudices and stereotypes, prevention of hatred, strengthening critical thinking and cultural sensitization.
With the involvement of a partner from an educational institution (university), a model of education and guidance for teachers will be created.
Projected topics of training modules: racism and stereotypes towards minorities, professional development of teachers, inclusion and equal opportunities in education, critical thinking, importance of a stimulating environment in early childhood, multicultural competences, cultural sensitization, working with diversity in the educational environment.
Small awareness campaigns will be also a part of the project.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address critical issues and challenges within the education system, focusing on preventing discrimination and segregation of children. "CTeachers – Critically Thinking, Culturally Sensitive & Conscious Teachers" sought to support teachers in effectively preparing for and addressing these challenges in their teaching practices. Additionally, the initiative introduced counseling for teachers, filling a crucial gap in the education system. The overarching goal was to bridge the formal and informal systems of further teacher education, systematize quality counseling, and ultimately prevent segregation in education. The project aimed to enhance the quality of education in Slovakia by strengthening the human capacity of public institutions and NGOs. It strived to empower educators to tackle failures in education, overcome social inequalities leading to segregation, and address the academic struggles of children and young people, ultimately contributing to the success of teachers.
The project promoter initiated open calls to engage individuals from NGOs, teachers, and methodologists in collaborative efforts. They actively developed a comprehensive educational and counseling program, consisting of seven modules. The team conducted eleven one-day online, one two-day, and one three-day in-person educational events to verify the innovative education model. Participants actively applied acquired skills and attitudes in their own school and counseling practices.
The project promoter facilitated the creation of a network of well-prepared lecturers by inviting collaboration from individuals interested in contributing to the educational program. Participants realized fifteen informational campaigns during the educational events, showcasing the practical application of learned concepts.
The partner, the Department of Andragogy at the Faculty of Education of Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica (KAND), played a vital role in preparing and refining the innovative education model. The collaborative efforts resulted in the development of a methodology for the final form of the educational and counseling program.
The project resulted in the establishment of a network of well-prepared lecturers, equipped with the skills and attitudes necessary to address challenges within the education system. Participants actively applied their acquired knowledge in their own school and counseling practices, fostering a practical and impactful approach to education.
Beneficiaries, including teachers, methodologists, and individuals from NGOs, experienced the direct impact of the project''s initiatives. The education system in Slovakia benefited from the enhanced quality of teacher preparation, the introduction of counseling, and the prevention of segregation. The project contributed to bridging the gap between formal and informal systems of further teacher education, thereby improving the overall quality of education.
Public institutions such as schools and counseling centers, as well as NGOs, saw an increase in human capacity due to the tailored educational and counseling programs. The project''s collaboration with the Department of Andragogy at the Faculty of Education of Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica (KAND) led to the development of an innovative education model and a methodology for the final form of the educational and counseling program.
Certificates awarded to participants served as recognition and validation of their status as qualified lecturers. These individuals continued to apply their skills in schools, NGOs, or centers, contributing to the broader goal of addressing educational challenges and overcoming social inequalities.
In conclusion, the project''s outcomes and impacts were widespread, directly benefiting teachers, methodologists, and individuals from NGOs, and indirectly contributing to the improvement of the education system in Slovakia.