The Institute for Youth Development KULT welcomed this year’s cohort of our Learn, Think and Act! UMiD Training for Teachers and Support Staff of Secondary Schools and began the long-awaited adventure for 24 motivated professionals who directly or indirectly work with children and young people in the formal education sector.
The training program was developed in response to the need to support teaching and support staff in secondary schools, enhancing their competencies for successful planning and implementation of learning and teaching based on the principles of experiential learning.
“Teachers who want to innovate and use some new techniques often feel unsupported, insecure or lonely in their wishes and efforts. We need training and events like this one. What we felt we were getting, and what I am immensely looking forward to in this UMiD training, is the critical amount of knowledge needed to use the excellent method of experiential learning and the skills we learned through implementing a project with our students and colleagues. I’ll also take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who have invested time and effort to be a part of change, part of the movement and part of the solutions that are constantly taking place at the very core of education – the teacher as an individual, and the classes they work in,” said Medina Sokolović Alajmović, a mathematics and IT teacher at the Nedžad Ibrišimović Secondary School Center in Ilijaš.
During the three-day module, secondary school teachers and support staff explored ways to work more innovatively and creatively with students. They focused on using effective teaching methods and strategies to create a safe, stimulating environment where students feel supported and motivated, and prepared for lifelong learning.
“Thank you to the Institute for Youth Development KULT for the unique opportunity to meet and work with participants who are eager to invest in their growth and development. This experience has enriched our learning journey, improved our curriculum planning and teaching methods, fostered a supportive and collaborative environment, and strengthened our professional competencies in problem-solving, decision-making, and applying what we learned. Continuous learning through training courses like this one helps us encode new knowledge and eventually makes it a part of our behavior patterns,” added Majda Balvanović, Expert Associate at the Multidisciplinary Secondary School for Mechanical Engineering in Tuzla.
Considering the substantial time children and young people spend in schools and the dedication of teaching staff to support, guide, and motivate students while also improving their own skills and adapting to modern trends, the first module reaffirmed that teachers are crucial to the lives of young people. They are a vital part of a functional system that empowers youth to advocate for their own well-being and contribute to the overall improvement of the BiH society.
“The first training module of Learn, Think and Act! went great. “I’m full of impressions: I am very happy with this group of participants. I think we mesh so well together because we’re so similar, but also different. The organizers and trainers are phenomenal; they just exude optimism and believe in a better future. Their ambitions and creativity add a special shine and lightness to the lectures. In addition to interacting, socializing, and sharing ideas, we gained new knowledge and skills and also realized how much we already knew without even being aware of it. I am so excited about the second module,” said Amira Fejzić, director of the Secondary School for Vocational Education and Training in Zenica.
Today, the Institute sent a group of dedicated professionals back to their 18+ communities, eagerly anticipating future meetings and looking forward to supporting their many great ideas.
Leave a comment