The “Learn, Think, and Act!” training program for teachers and support staff in secondary schools was designed to help school staff develop the competencies necessary for effectively planning and implementing a learning process rooted in experiential learning. The goal is to apply effective teaching methods and strategies to create a safe and stimulating environment for students, where they will feel supported and motivated to engage in lifelong learning. Additionally, experiential learning promotes creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking—essential skills for success in today’s society.
The training program is intended for secondary school teachers, as well as school administrators, professional associates and advisors in pedagogical institutes, who can support the professional development of teachers. The third and final module brings experiential learning into the community, allowing students to design, plan, implement, and evaluate actions and activities that contribute to community life, applying their knowledge for the greater good.
One of the participants, Šeherzada Kadrić, who teaches the agricultural group of subjects at the Secondary Agricultural and Medical School in Brčko, said: “Experience is the best teacher for everyone, both for us educators and for our students. As part of this training, I learned that both theoretical and practical teaching, along with experiential and service learning, can be an ideal approach to help students better grasp the material we’re teaching them. The training I received through these three modules has enriched both my professional and personal life. I met wonderful and dedicated educators, full of enthusiasm and a strong desire to nurture education and their profession.”
During the Coffee Time… session, training participants had the opportunity to speak with Jasmin Bešić, the CEO of the Institute for Youth Development KULT. Teachers gained valuable insight into the work of the non-governmental sector and explored opportunities for collaboration. A variety of other topics were discussed as well, making the entire session highly engaging for all participants.
Ervina Hasanović, a chemistry teacher from Cazin, shared her feedback on the module and training: “This approach helps students see the results of their work and encourages critical thinking about how they can contribute to the community. We often hear the question, ‘What’s the point of this?’ The answer is simple: knowledge, when used to help others, creates change. Seeing tangible results brings satisfaction and inspires growth. Knowing that we’re not alone in our struggles, that we’re on the right path, and that we can achieve much more together fosters a sense of pride in being part of the educator community. I plan to share everything I’ve learned from the training with my team and hope to introduce new practices in our work that will help improve the quality of education we provide.”
The “Learn, Think and Act!” training for teaching and professional staff in secondary schools is delivered by the Institute in collaboration with the Center for Educational Initiatives Step by Step. Together, they developed the training methodology, and their trainers worked directly with the participants.
Ljubica Parežanin, a French language teacher at the secondary school “Golub Kureš” in Bileća, shared her experience: “The topic of experiential learning highlighted that new knowledge is best gained through active participation. The trainers guided us through various learning methods, helping us discover new techniques. The training was challenging, but the teachers’ interest in making changes is truly encouraging. The expertise of the trainers, the working conditions, and the overall organization were all top-notch. I encourage all teachers to apply for this training in the future, because there are so many benefits. In addition to our shared desire for progress and investment in personal and professional growth, we are also united by mutual understanding, support, and camaraderie. The training involved hard work, but was also full of laughter and fun. I expect that we will implement many of the ideas that came up during the training.”
The Institute for Youth Development KULT continues beyond this module, offering meetings and support to help implement the innovative ideas that will arise from this program. The goal was to foster creativity and teamwork to develop solutions that would contribute to education and social development.
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