CIV teachers immerse themselves in the Finnish and Estonian education system through the Erasmus+ project
The CIV’s Pedagogical Director, Cidália Ferreira Bicho, and Ana Proença, Assistant Principal, were recently in Helsinki, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia, under the Erasmus+ mobility program. The possibility of visiting several schools, observing classes, and contacting directors, teachers and students made this experience very rich. In both education systems, the teachers observed the important role given to the student's responsibility in the learning process, the autonomy of schools in how they approach the curriculum, how they organise the school year or how they assess students.
For instance, at Kaitaan Koulu School, the teachers observed Music, Religion, Science, Personal Motivation, Art and History lessons. Guided by the students, they got to know the dynamics of the classes, the students, their families and the school in general. They learned about the important role that this educational institution attributes to the presence of animals. For example, dogs and horses are a pedagogical tool that promotes well-being, helping students deal with emotional issues.
Cidália Bicho and Ana Proença also participated in the Finnish educational system workshops called "Less is more". In what is considered the happiest country in the world, the education system is based on two main pillars - trust and responsibility of all those involved in the educational process.
"How to fight burnout and keep teachers motivated", "Pedagogical leadership, coaching and motivation", "Positive pedagogy" and "Special and inclusive education" were other moments shared among colleagues attending the programme. Strategies were strengthened to implement collaborative working cultures involving the whole educational community, focusing on individual satisfaction, emotional security, a positive atmosphere, positive teaching/learning methods and the optimisation of new information and communication technologies.
There was a strong focus on multi-disciplinary projects in the schools visited in Estonia. The importance of arts or cooking classes for all students was the schools highlight. The autonomy of the pupils who, from the age of 8, travel to school and home by themselves or stay at home one day a week to develop activities independently is also highlighted. There are no safeguards or safety gates at the school, and it is the students' responsibility to comply with the established rules.
Mainly in Finland, the teaching career is highly sought after and one of the most difficult to access, with teacher training accessible only to the best candidates. As a rule, only 10% of these are selected.
