Introduction and Description

 

Education in the twenty-first century is undergoing profound transformation. Schools across Europe are increasingly confronted with shifting societal expectations, rapid technological advancements, new knowledge ecologies, and growing demands for equitable, inclusive and future-ready learning environments. In this context, the concept of New Learning has emerged as a powerful framework for rethinking how we teach, how students learn, and how educational organisations evolve. This course offers an academically grounded and practice-oriented journey into this paradigm shift, supporting teachers, school leaders and support staff in understanding and shaping the educational landscapes of tomorrow.

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Rooted in contemporary research in the learning sciences, sociocultural theory, systems thinking and educational leadership, the programme examines how traditional models of schooling—often designed for the needs of industrial societies—are increasingly misaligned with the complexities of today’s interconnected, post-digital world. Participants engage critically with the historical evolution of educational paradigms and explore the changing nature of knowledge, learner agency, collaboration and the role of teachers in dynamic learning environments. Special emphasis is placed on developing a deep understanding of the key dimensions of New Learning, including inquiry-based and participatory pedagogies, competence development, digital and AI-enhanced learning ecologies, inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and the emergence of schools as learning organisations capable of continuous innovation.

 

The course is highly relevant for Erasmus+ projects aimed at strengthening school development, pedagogical innovation and staff capacity building. It equips participants with the conceptual tools and practical strategies needed to redesign learning experiences, enhance professional collaboration, and foster a culture of reflective practice within their institutions. Through case studies of innovative European schools, collaborative workshops, and guided practitioner inquiry, participants gain insights into how educational organisations can cultivate the conditions necessary for meaningful, sustainable change. The course also explores how New Learning aligns with European educational priorities—including key competences, digital transformation, quality assurance and inclusion—making it directly applicable to mobility plans and whole-school development strategies.

 

Designed to accommodate different professional needs, the course is offered in both 5-day and 10-day versions.

• The 5-day programme provides a concentrated, rigorous introduction to the theoretical foundations and practical implications of New Learning.

• The 10-day programme offers an expanded, research-rich experience that deepens participants’ understanding through more extensive case analysis, practitioner research design, collaborative innovation tasks and personalised coaching.

 

Regardless of duration, participants leave with strengthened theoretical insight, renewed pedagogical vision, and an actionable set of strategies to empower their schools to respond creatively and confidently to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary education. Ultimately, the course aims to inspire educators to become active contributors to educational renewal—shaping classrooms, schools and systems that are equitable, adaptive, and aligned with the learning needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students.