I had the privilege of participating in the Erasmus project ULCA (Upgrade with Learner-Centred Approach) and attending training sessions in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2022. This project, which emphasizes a holistic approach to education by enhancing teachers’ competencies, self-management, and leadership, has had a profound impact on my professional development and teaching practices.
During the implementation of the Erasmus project NELCA (Creating the Network of Excellent ULCA Schools) – the continuation of ULCA project, in Jun 2024, I had the honor of hosting Maja Videnovik and Mirjana Jankulovska in my classroom. They observed and evaluated a lesson I conducted with my 7th-grade students on the topic of probability. Maja was doing lesson analysis concerning pedagogy and feelings in the classroom and Mirjana was doing observation and evaluation using observation sheets according to Teacher Development framework, created during ULCA project. Their visit was an invaluable opportunity for me to receive constructive feedback and insights into my teaching practices based on the ULCA framework.
During their observation, Maja and Mirjana assessed various aspects of my lesson, including task distribution, student engagement, creativity, and the overall effectiveness of the activities. Their evaluation was thorough and highlighted both the strengths and areas for improvement in my teaching approach. I was particularly pleased with their recognition of the active learning strategies I employed and the positive learning atmosphere I fostered in the classroom.
The feedback session with Maja and Mirjana was exceptionally enlightening. They provided detailed comments on how to enhance the quality of my lessons further. Their advice on encouraging students to discussions and make conclusions on their own was particularly helpful. Moreover, their suggestions on more activation of “passive students” have given me new perspectives to consider.
Having experts like Maja and Mirjana observe my class and provide feedback was a significant learning experience. It reaffirmed the importance of continuous professional development and the value of external evaluations in improving teaching practices. The NELCA project’s focus on creating a supportive and collaborative network of teachers, managers, and teacher-trainers across Europe is indeed beneficial. It fosters an environment where educators can share best practices, learn from each other, and collectively enhance the quality of education.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the ULCA and NELCA projects and for the support and guidance provided by Maja Videnovik and Mirjana Jankulovska. Their visit has inspired me to strive for excellence in my teaching and to continuously seek ways to improve my practice. These projects have significantly enriched my professional journey, and I look forward to contributing to its goals and sharing my experiences with fellow educators. In conclusion, thосе projects are a remarkable initiative that promotes a learner-centred approach and excellence in education. They empower teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to create dynamic and engaging learning environments. My involvement in these projects has been a transformative experience, and I am committed to applying the insights gained to benefit my students and the wider educational community.
