1. Establish a robust network of secondary education teachers across Europe to explore effective teaching and learning methods that integrate well-being and holistic development. 2. Enhancing Teacher Training Support continuous professional development for teachers through school visits and online meetings, providing innovative pedagogical strategies and assessment methods. 3. Innovative Teaching and Assessment: Develop and promote personalized and dialogic learning methods to foster intrinsic motivation, student engagement, and holistic well-being. 4. Addressing Learning Disadvantages: Tackle issues related to learning disadvantages and early school leaving by developing teaching approaches that align with students' interests and needs. 5. Promoting Well-being and Resilience: Enhance student well-being and resilience using principles from salutogenic theory, balancing academic achievement with personal development. 6. International Collaboration: Facilitate international collaboration among educators to share best practices and innovative approaches. 7. Educational Resources: Develop online courses and resources accessible through the Elewa platform to support teachers in implementing effective teaching methods.
The whole project started as an ECSWE working group. We applied for the UPSWE project to address several critical needs within the Steiner Waldorf education community. The primary motivation was to create a European network of secondary education teachers to explore effective teaching and learning methods that integrate well-being and holistic development. The project aimed to address: 1. There was a recognized need to improve the well-being and resilience of secondary school students, which had often been neglected in favor of academic attainment; 2. Secondary school teachers often lack training in youth pedagogy and innovative teaching methods that engage students holistically; 3. Reducing Early School Leaving and Learning Disadvantage - many students face learning disadvantages due to teaching methods that emphasize standardized testing and extrinsic motivation. 4. Developing and promoting dialogic and personalized assessment methods that involve student voice and foster intrinsic motivation. UPSWE project group hoped to foster an international community of practice, enhance the quality of Steiner Waldorf education, and advocate for educational practices that support the holistic development of students across Europe.