Overview

Globalisation, changing demographics and technological developments are some of the key driving forces of our current era, that make our society complex and demanding, and will continue to shape our future. Our students will have to be prepared to thrive in this fast-changing world, to face these challenges and become active members in the society. A number of core values and competencies that are increasingly important, can support the education our schools provide and prepare students for the future, helping them to contribute to the improvement of their community and the society.

This 6-day course is designed to provide educators with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to prepare students with the key 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity etc. and gain practical guidelines for integrating activities and implementing programmes across the areas of curriculum and school life. Discussions, site visits and group work will enrich sharing ideas and exchange of practice between participants. There is also the possibility to extend the course to 7-day.

Objectives

During the course, participants will:
• gain a thorough understanding of the key 21st century skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, digital literacy, collaboration, creativity etc.
• examine methods for effectively integrating 21st century skills into teaching practices (task-based learning, project-based learning, the Flipped Classroom etc.)
• apply innovative approaches and strategies to engage students actively in the learning pro-cess
• examine ICT & AI tools; and digital resources to enhance teaching and foster 21st century skills
• learn effective assessment techniques and strategies to evaluate students’ 21st century skills
• understand the importance of fostering students’ social and emotional development alongside academic skills. They will explore strategies to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes empathy, resilience, and positive relationships
• engage in cross-cultural collaboration, exchanging ideas and experiences with educators from different countries
• visit sites, museums and monuments in Cyprus and plan activities/ programmes.

Methodology

The working methods that are used are highly practical and participatory. The experiential method is used to encourage the search for contemporary pedagogical theories and teaching approaches. The hands-on approach is used to examine real examples, case studies, surveys and simulations. The group activities foster mutual learning, cooperation and collaboration between participants. The discussions encourage sharing ideas, intercultural dialogue and the exchange of good practices between the participants. Social, networking and cultural activities give participants the opportunity to establish professional cooperation and links with teachers, staff, schools and organisations in Europe. At the end of the course, participants fill in an e-questionnaire for evaluation.

Preparation

After confirming registration, participants will be informed about the details of the course (arrival, daily programme). Participants will be able to introduce themselves and bring a few examples of routines and practices that they apply to their teaching.

Course Schedule

DAY 1

• Introduction
• Overview of the key 21st-century skills and their significance in education.
• Activities for team building
• Strategies for students’ active participation in the learning process (student-centered learning).
• Techniques for stimulating communication skills and encouraging healthy dialogue and debates.
• Activities that encourage communication.

DAY 2

• Strategies for fostering collaboration and teamwork in the classroom.
• Incorporating collaborative learning and teamwork structures.
• Visit to Limassol historical center, Carob Mill Museum, Medieval Castle & Museum and other monuments.
• Doing activities in the city center.
• Data collection for the group work.

DAY 3

• Promoting Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills.
• Techniques for encouraging students’ critical thinking and creative problem solving.
• Strategies for fostering problem-solving abilities in students.
• Designing assignments and assessments that promote critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Thinking skills and strategies
• The Task-Based learning
• The Project-Based Learning

DAY 4

• The importance of digital literacy in the 21st century.
• Identifying effective technology tools and resources for teaching and learning.
• Practical approaches for integrating technology into various subjects.
• AI tools for creating lesson plans, worksheets etc.
• The role of creativity and innovation in developing 21st c. skills.
• Strategies and techniques for promoting creativity. imagination, curiosity,

DAY 5

• Promoting social skills, media literacy and global awareness.
• Collaborative group activities that develop 21st-century skills.
• The Flipped Classroom learning strategy.
• Activities that enhance the sense of belonging.
• Evaluating and assessing students’ development of 21st-century skills
• Visit at the Limassol Archaeological Museum. Activities in the museum.
• Visit at municipal garden.
• Data collection for group work.

DAY 6

• Integrating 21st-century skills into lesson planning and curriculum design.
• Exploring cross-curricular connections and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Participants complete the group work.
• Presentation of group work, review of the course, certificates.

DAY 7 (optional)

• TOUR TO PAPHOS TOWN
  It includes a tour with 5-stops (9:00 am- 5:00 pm)
  • Tomb of the kings
  • Catacomb of Agia Solomoni
  • Paphos Archaeological Park with Roman mosaics
  • Paphos Medieval Castle and port
  • Petra tou Romiou (birthplace of Aphrodite).

Courses Fees

480 euro (6-day) & 560 euro (7-day)

Offers on request for longer trainings.

Sessions

• 27.01.2024 – 01.02.2024
• 02.03.2024 – 07.03.2024
• 11.05.2024 -16.05.2024
• 29.06.2024 – 04.07.2024
• 27.07.2024 -01.08.2024
• 28.09.2024- 03.10.2024
• 09.11.2024 -14.11.2024
• 07.12.2024 -12.12.2024
• 18.01.2025 – 23.01.2025
• 01.03.2025 – 06.03.2025
• 10.05.2025 -15.05.2025
• 05.07.2025 – 10.07.2025
• 23.08.2025 – 28.08.2025
• 27.09.2025 – 02.10.2025
• 15.11.2025 – 20.11.2025
• 13.12.2025 – 18.12.2025