By implementing the project, we wanted to improve: - development of new learning and teaching methods, - development of digital competences, - interpersonal skills, - the international dimension of education and training of employees, - integrating the activities from the Erasmus+ KA229 project into a new project. Having set these priority areas, our goal was to improve the relationships within the staff, help students become employable in 21st century, promote general human values and competencies. The long-term goal was to connect with schools on an international level, develop international cooperation and modernize education within the framework of European mobility and cooperation. Since we did not find specialized courses in Croatia dealing with the areas we wanted to improve, we chose courses abroad based on recommendations and reviews. They provided us with the necessary training, knowledge, and skills. Going abroad gave us an insight into examples of good practice and the work of colleagues in other European countries. By establishing new contacts, we have created an opportunity for future projects with a wider European dimension. The school will become more visible on the international level as well.
Having noticed an increased decline in motivation for learning in our students, especially when using the traditional methods of teaching, we recognized the need for more innovative methods. Before writing the project application, the quality team conducted a self-evaluation through a SWOT analysis and defined the areas for improvement. Questionnaires and interviews showed weaker results and a lack of interest among students in the contents that are conveyed in the traditional way. Most students find it difficult to learn the content, they do not connect learning with their real life needs and interests. The level of adoption of certain motor skills and functions is declining. The use of technology is associated with entertainment and not with learning. The relationships in the classroom and in the institution require new skills to encourage better relationships between students, prevent conflicts and teach both students and teachers new methods of solving problems. Based on the results of the analyses, we decided to modernize teaching, introduce more modern teaching methods that will motivate students to independently research, analyze, draw conclusions, and participate in the learning process more actively.