Ευτυχισμένοι μαθητές σε ακμάζοντα σχολεία EN: Happy learners in thriving schools
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The SDD was sponsored by Europarliamentarian Fidias Panayiotou and was placed under the auspices of the Citizen's Commissioner Panayiotis Palates.
The Workshop was held in four Zoom sessions (total 7.5 hrs) and one face to face, 4.5 hrs at the House of Europe, in Nicosia.
In response to the Key Question:
What specific reforms can we implement to boost students' enthusiasm and desire to go to school every day?
the participants offered 44 proposals for actions/reforms.
After the completion of the process during which the participants had the opportunity to explain their proposals and answer clarifying questions (avoiding critical comments), the Categorization process began which placed the 44 proposals in 9 Groups, as shown in the Figure.
The participants were asked to select, based on their judgment, the five actions which, in their opinion, should be given priority. The results of the vote were used to select the proposals that entered the mapping phase based on the influences. The Map was formed into 7 levels.
As first and feasible steps, we propose: 1. The gradual implementation of a modern educational approach, in which children participate in the selection of both content and teaching methods. 2. The implementation of the Universal Design for Learning, to ensure accessibility and inclusion in all schools, so that the learning needs of every child are met without exclusions. 3. The strengthening of psychoeducation of teachers, combined with the establishment of social justice advisors, the training of parents through experiential and democratic workshops to understand and support the needs of children, and the provision of psychological support where needed. These actions will create a supportive school environment with respect for diversity, where all students will feel safe and accepted, developing a love and curiosity for learning. 4. Promoting experiential and authentic learning through multidisciplinary learning spaces and extracurricular experiences (e.g. educational activities in research centers, businesses, factories, forest schools, green schools, agricultural/livestock units), with an emphasis on life skills and environmental awareness.
Multifaceted training and empowerment of teachers, combined with access to modern equipment and infrastructure, as well as the promotion of new types of schools (e.g. green schools, forest schools), will ensure that every student has access to a rich educational environment. These initiatives will contribute to increasing interest, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
