Report from the Third Peer Learning Activity of the ‘ESMTT’ Project in Ljubljana

Posted on by Michele Boaretto

8-9 April | Ljubljana (Slovenia)

On April 8th and 9th, a dynamic event took place in Ljubljana as part of EFEE’s ESMTT project (Effective School Management in the Twin Transition), as we gathered for our 3rd Peer Learning Activity. The event brought together influential and passionate education stakeholders with a view to collectively exploring the evolution of teachers’ working time amidst Europe’s digital and ecological transitions; in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere, participants exchanged their knowledge and experiences, forging strong bonds and opportunities for mutual learning.

Our selection of Slovenia as the backdrop for this stage of our project was no random choice. From day one, as we drew inspiration from the remarkable legacy of Valentin Vodnik, a revered Slovenian Enlightenment figure, our dedicated researcher Fabrice Serodes noted the paramount importance of multimedia contents within the digital evolution – explaining how this transition opens doors to a plethora of enriching resources. Yet, amidst all of the advantages and opportunities, he also raised concerns about the reliability of such resources – especially those not crafted by educators themselves. His findings resulted in a call to action, urging us to confront these challenges head-on while reaffirming the pivotal role of educators in this transformative journey. Engaging in discourse with the participants, Serodes underscored the imperative to reconceptualise educational paradigms to align with this thrilling new era.

 

 

Following this enlightening session, we were privileged to engage with the Minister of Education of Slovenia, alongside our gracious host, Alenka Budihna (School Principal at Gimnazija Bežigrad), who delved into the details of the main educational hurdles facing the country. Discussions highlighted the indispensable nature of digital and ecological literacy. Aleš Ojsteršek, representing the Slovenian Ministry of Education, interestingly pointed out that “perhaps 30% of teachers’ workload could be restructured with advanced technology.” These conversations underscored the urgency of digital proficiency, echoed by Mateja Brejc, also from the Slovenian Ministry of Education: “Competency in utilising technology for learning, work, and collaboration across stakeholders is paramount. There’s still much ground to cover.” These insights underscored the diversity of perspectives and the imperative of catering to students’ evolving needs during this transition.
 
 

Moreover, discussions delved into ecological literacy within the Slovenian landscape, shedding light on the nation’s unique experiences. The speakers’ remarks showcased innovative initiatives such as integrating urban gardens into school curricula, emphasizing experiential learning to nurture an environmental consciousness among students.

The inclusion of delegates from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine further enriched the discourse, highlighting distinct challenges faced by certain European nations in this transition. Ihor Khvorostianyi, representing the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science, emphasised a crucial point: “We must empower teachers to make informed decisions amidst the chaos of multiple responsibilities.” These exchanges emphasised the necessity of tailored approaches within national contexts while pursuing shared objectives of digital and ecological evolution.

 

This first rewarding day of presentations and panel discussions ended on a high note as participants enjoyed a meal within the beautiful Ljubljana Castle, perched on the hills of the city.

The following morning we had the privilege of exploring Gimnazija Bežigrad School, led by Principal Alenka Budihna, and to witness the school’s initiatives and achievements in transitioning smoothly to the ecological and digital realms. Ms. Budihna provided us with an overview of the school’s history and programs, highlighting its transition from a Gimnazija to a higher school of natural sciences and vice versa. The school offers general and sports programs as well as an international curriculum, fostering a vision of knowledge as something to be relished. The building boasts a robust ICT infrastructure including interactive screens, laptops for teachers, and regular workshops. Furthermore, Alenka emphasised the school’s focus on student engagement, academic excellence, and environmental sustainability initiatives, such as culinary workshops and tree-planting projects.

Monika Hoang The, speaking on behalf of our organisation, kicked off the discussion and invited participants to introduce themselves. Breda Škedelj, a biology teacher at Gimnazija Bežigrad, discussed a new project focused on ecological themes, highlighting the importance of collaboration and of interdisciplinary approaches. Gregor Anželj, a computer science teacher, emphasized the need to integrate of technology into daily teaching, with a focus on coding, digital literacy, and programming. Anna and Eva, students at Gimnazija Bežigrad, shared their experiences and perspectives on the school’s educational approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding how artificial intelligence works: “It is also important for students to know how AI works. It’s not smarter than us, it just intelligently uses words.” Špela Frantar, the deputy principal, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary units and student engagement in community projects.
 

This concluding discussion covered various topics, including sustainability initiatives, student empowerment, and adapting teaching methods to new technologies.

——–

Over the two days of the event, participants had the opportunity to exchange, discover, and deepen their understanding of educational systems from different countries. Together, they engaged in a thorough reflection on the type of measures that should be implemented at the local, national/regional, and European levels to facilitate this digital and environmental transition, while ensuring respect for and proper regulation of teachers’ working hours. These intense two days were marked by stimulating exchanges, exciting presentations, fruitful ideas, and the opportunity for participants to personally discover the splendid city of Ljubljana and its captivating culture. They served as a true catalyst for innovation and progress in the field of education in Europe.

And our commitment does not end here. These two days were just the continuation of a long collaborative endeavor to reshape education in Europe. As we reflect on what we have learnt and on the shared recommendations, we invite you to join us in Brussels on November 28th for our final ESMTT conference. Together, let’s continue to innovate, inspire, and shape the future of education in Europe!

 

Full Report (.docx)