Did you know that from the school year 2024/2025 a new innovative course "Teacher Self-Development Learn & Lead" is being taught at the Faculty of Education of the Catholic University in Ružomberok, which brings a new perspective to the understanding of the future profession of student teachers?
This course was developed as part of the Erasmus+ international project "Upgrade with Learner-Centred Approach", which aims to support future teachers in developing self-reflection, leadership of self and others and in understanding learning as a natural process. The course paves the way to a teaching that is based on trust, respect and continuous learning.
Teacher self-development and pupil focus
In addition to this course, we have also been privileged to contribute to the development of another key course in the Faculty - the Learner-Centred Approach. This subject is based on the principles of Gabriela Loja, one of the most important personalities in the field of psychology of learning and didactics in Slovakia. Thanks to it, students learn to recognise the individual needs of pupils and adapt their teaching in a way that activates, motivates and respects their uniqueness.
Field practice: live experience of innovation
As part of the Teacher Self-Development Learn & Lead course, students complete their practicum on-site, in an environment where innovation is not only learned, but lived every day. Practical instruction is led by faculty educators who have themselves gone through our Learn & Lead teacher trainings. As a result, they are able to guide students along the path of innovation that they themselves have discovered and are actively pursuing.
In the words of the students: a legacy for future teachers
During the excursion, students Paulína Hírešová, Mária Paliderová and Miroslava Koľveková visited our base in Trnava and participated in a discussion with the author of the Learn & Lead concept, Jana Chynoradská. Their words say it all:
"During the excursion we had the opportunity to discuss with the founder of Learn & Lead, Jana Chynoradská. She answered our questions and prepared interesting and interactive activities that allowed us to get to know and understand the Learn & Lead innovation. We were very enriched that Ms. Chynoradsky was willing to share valuable ideas and inspirations that we can apply in our own practice."
"From the short teaching experiences we have had, we feel that teachers in mainstream schools who try to use innovative approaches are often a thorn in the side of others. However, this Learn & Lead approach motivates us and reminds us that it makes sense to push through obstacles - especially for the sake of the pupils. We realised that we are not the only ones who want to follow the path of innovation."
Educator reflection: revitalisation and inspiration
Teachers Slavomíra Bellová and Jana Jacková, who teach the "Teacher Self-Development Learn & Lead" course, took part in the excursion together with their students and took away a strong experience:
"The excursion we took in Trnava with the author and guarantor of Learn & Lead, Janka Chynoradská, was an inspiring experience. With her innovative approach and amazing energy, the author created an environment filled with creativity and full of interest."
"The excursion provided us not only with new knowledge, experiences, but mainly with a great dose of motivation and enthusiasm to explore and discover more. That's Learn & Lead - innovation, inspiration, creativity and people who encourage the courage to think differently."
Creating the future together
We are grateful to be part of shaping the future educators - the people who will stand before students as leaders of change and innovation in years to come. We trust that our collaboration with the Faculty of Education at Catholic University will continue and grow, as will the students who, through it, embark on the path of conscious and courageous teaching.
