Building school-based learning communities by EUN Partnership aisbl

VANESSA SILVA, MADRID (SPAIN)

vanessasilva46 — 2023-03-13 17:02:26 UTC

I could not be more in favor of the initiative to create communities of professions for joint learning.

First of all, I think it is crucial to choose the MOOC according to the interests and needs of the professions (practical content schedule, pace, space, resources...). A course with which they can improve their daily practice immediately and, at the same time, create a methodological among proessionals. For example, a MOOC on "First Steps" on the platform (registration, project submission and submission of the project and useful resources for the TwiSpace).

In addition, the realization of this type of training is team building among teachers, it creates a more collaborative and pleasant working atmosphere and increase the quality of the results.

Aida Petrovska

2023-03-13 19:04:54 UTC

We need teams of teachers who will always help, protect and motivate their colleagues to strive for good quality and excellent products from project activities. The exchange of ideas always gives good results. Short online trainings and workshops are of key importance, especially if they are available at an accessible time for each teacher.

Daisy De Gioannini Italy

daisydegio — 2023-03-14 16:37:15 UTC

I think this is a great opportunity! The school-based study groups can really support and motivate teachers who lack relevant skills. Short online trainings that can be self paced are the key to success.
If there is the opportunity to exchange ideas and good practices with peers, in team building activities, teachers can find the real motivation to learn further to give a boost to their everyday teaching.

Anna Maria Scrimieri (Italy)

scrimieriannamaria — 2023-03-14 16:47:28 UTC

I think that School-based study groups can facilitate teacher collaboration at school level. These groups offer effective peer support mechanisms for all teachers, regardless of experience. They also provide an opportunity for colleagues to come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and learn from one another. The group setting can also help to motivate participants and hold them accountable for their own learning.
In my context, that is the one of a small town in the South of Italy, I think that such groups should be beneficial as they would represent a possibility to share ideas and opinions with other teachers to build a sort of collaboration. In my opinion the main goal of a teacher is improving his/her own potentialities and that can happen through peer work and cooperation. We can't live closed in our daily world but we have to go out if we want to grow up not only in our life but also in our profession.

MARY NACCA (ITALY)

2023-03-14 19:27:35 UTC

Surely a school structured with study groups is a wonderful idea to stimulate the sharing and circulation of information and skills.
Referring to my reality could be a future challenge which, however, should be anticipated by other small steps: for example, opening the mind of some and making them understand that getting out of their comfort zone can be wonderful.

Feride Başak Başar / Türkiye

basaktipioglu — 2023-03-15 22:02:54 UTC

Yes, I think school-based study groups for professional development is one of the most effective and useful way for teachers. Most of the trainings we provide in our province are school-based group trainings. This makes it easier for groups to come together and work together. The groups get to know each other better and closely, and they make a more beneficial start. In addition, peer education is becoming powerful and effective. We can evaluate "School-Based In-service Courses and Seminars" in this category. When trainings with school-based study groups are supported by web 2.0 tools, they will provide more interaction and advantages. Sometimes, factors such as overcrowding of groups and reluctant participation can be considered as disadvantages.

Ekrem Cengiz AKDENİZ/Türkiye

2023-03-16 10:42:34 UTC

School-Based Professional Development is defined as the whole of processes that support the development of teachers' professional knowledge, skills, values and attitudes inside and outside the school, and that provides support to teachers in creating effective learning and teaching environments. OTMG is a new concept in the Turkish Education System in that it provides a roadmap for the teacher who wants to develop his/her professional competencies, creates his/her own development model, and provides a roadmap for the implementation and monitoring of the Professional Development Plan. In this context, face-to-face trainings were provided by meeting with etwinners in approximately 28 schools in Elazig.

Ahmad Marei - Jordan

maree271 — 2023-03-16 16:33:00 UTC

School-based study groups are one of the most effective and encouraging ways of professional development for teachers. Through it, inter-group relationships can be strengthened so that the entire team becomes one hand, and all members of the group have the opportunity to get to know each other and benefit from each other's experiences, skills and support. Through this, teachers will be able to create a great learning environment and explore new ways of managing the educational process in the classroom and learn new ways and methods of education.

In my context, there are many teachers in my town who possess high skills and experience and must have an opportunity to share these experiences with the educational community.

Natalia Rata, Moldova

angelicnataly — 2023-03-16 16:48:05 UTC

Building school-based learning communities seems to be a very effective way to involve less active teachers in online-courses. There are many teachers in our country who do not know English or other foreign languages and this becomes an obstacle when speaking about courses in a foregn language. That is why school-based learning communities will be a solution and an opportunity for a lot of teachers. Sharing what is learnt with each other will help everyone in the group learn and understand what is taught. I would love to be part of such a community.

Aicha Benslimen, Tunisia

2023-03-16 18:46:52 UTC

School-based study groups where teachers participate in online courses can facilitate teacher-centred collaboration at school level. These groups offer effective peer support mechanisms for all teachers, regardless of experience. They also provide an opportunity for colleagues to come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and learn from one another. The group setting can also help to motivate participants and hold them accountable for their own learning.

rasha al-omari

2023-03-16 21:01:16 UTC

Learning through projects is one of the strategies that encourage students to cooperate and participate, where students' skills and experiences are employed and they acquire new skills, including self-confidence. Discovering new skills and engaging in the school community and other communities through cooperation in implementing projects on the electronic twinning platform.

Dr.Njoud alananbeh

ajloun_rose — 2023-03-17 09:04:01 UTC

Through my 23 years of experience at schools, I have found about Building school-based learning communities that the teachers have the ability to create a space in which they can think and solve problems while exchanging experiences from their educational practices. and This thinking space also allows them to create projects and develop a sense of community,

because it is a collaborative group organized by teachers to help them strengthen their professional development in areas of common interest. Groups provide an important structure for gaining autonomy and a major means for growing professionally while building communities of learners and providing avenues for self-actualization. Especially when we have more time. Among the challenges I have seen during my teaching experience are: overload and time conflicts, low trust towards colleagues, conflicts with plans for ranking and promotion, and failure to appreciate the benefits of participation.

My advice from my experience

before you go and join a study group, remember that all groups are not created equally. Choose a group that spends its time studying and not just socializing.

LILIANA PILON from Italy

lilianapilon1 — 2023-03-17 15:56:31 UTC

Studying together is a good idea: so the school-based study groups can motivate more teachers and inspire them, also those who don't know eTwinning or are not familiar with the ESEP platform yet. This years at my school we have collaborate in peer-to-peer activity between teachers and in small work groups. It was engaging and very fun!

Gabriela Lobozzo (Italy)

gabrielamaria_lobozzo — 2023-03-18 11:02:37 UTC

The advantages of being part of a study group learning team are many: it helps to avoid procrastination; it helps to retain more information; it helps to motivate each other, making oneself less prone to anxiety; it helps to gain a new perspective on how to study and last, but not least, there are some boring and time-consuming tasks in the process of studying that it can be helpful to divide up!

Ahmad Farik - Jordan

ahmad_farkh — 2023-03-18 16:42:37 UTC

I believe that learning groups based on professional development look at capacity building mechanisms, discover and clarify them, and highlight that we as teachers possess knowledge, but we need a co-teacher with whom we share this knowledge, consult him, and consult us, and these groups make us find someone who is able to accommodate us, contain us, and correct our path. Either if we talk about people who lack skills or some of them, here the greatness of learning societies is highlighted by what they provide them with knowledge, support and cooperation.

Carla Louro - Portugal

clouro — 2023-03-18 21:21:35 UTC

In my point of view the concept of school-based study groups for professional development can be beneficial for teachers.
Learning, sharing and collaborating together it is the best way to grow as a person and also as a professional educator.

Antonio SARACENO from Turin - ITALY

saraceno — 2023-03-19 10:21:49 UTC

I really believe in collaboration and exchange and in supporting colleagues. So far as, an Digital Animator in my school I have tried to encourage professional development between my colleagues, 'cause I love facing with challenging missions.

Paola Attanasi Italy

attanasipaola — 2023-03-19 18:52:13 UTC

I think that the school-based study groups made up of teachers who meet to participate together in the international professional development activities of teachers online is an excellent opportunity for growth and training, as teachers support and motivate each other, help in communication in foreign language, so you can benefit from online professional development opportunities. During study group meetings teachers can collaborate and complete online activities together, support each other on technical and other issues and discuss topics of professional development activities.
In my Institute we have group activities, involving and guiding less experienced teachers and providing linguistic and digital training

Enas shnior

inassshanyour — 2023-03-20 08:46:25 UTC

about School based study groups,
I think groups help to exchange experiences and knowledge.
So, If my experience meets what I lack, there will be an integrated team capable of achieving goals and achievement.

Beáta Hegedüs, Hungary

hegedusbeata — 2023-03-20 14:17:17 UTC

I think that educational processes can not work without collaboration. It is very useful when the individual ideas of teachers add up. School-based study groups could help to share good practices and could support the professional development. They can help if someone's motivation decreases or if they don't have new ideas for a period of time. The teachers will be able to create a new learning environment and find new methods or tools for their practice.
I think the only potential challenge to this approach to professional develoőment is lack of time, but we must learn to manage our time well.

Ornella Pegoraro, Italy

ornellakr61 — 2023-03-20 18:52:48 UTC

As Erasmus+/eTwinning Ambassador I think that it is very important to create networks and school-based learning communities in order to let teachers exchange knowledge, expertise, good practices, thus fostering their professional development at european level.

Maysun Taha, Jordan

maysun016 — 2023-03-20 19:17:11 UTC

In school-based learning communities, Teachers should work to develop their capabilities, which leads to achieving the results they desire, so new patterns of thinking are discovered, and the teacher learns to use new ideas and methods in solving problems, and be creative.

Heba Odeh/jordan

odehheba992_3_1 — 2023-03-21 15:18:45 UTC

I think it is very useful to work as group because it is possible to have dialogues related to various topics interspersed with asking questions and discussions that lead to drawing attention to things that may not be noticed, or that through these groups we can find solutions to problems that we may face and benefit from Other people's experiences and expertise

Paulina Majdzińska-POLAND

inclusioninsociety — 2023-03-21 22:18:21 UTC

If U ask me, school-based study groups for professional development seem cool, however do not always work. In Poland, English teachers work a lot and time is an issue. However, the idea itself is amazing. I know some region or district based school-based study groups for professional development organised by teachers and for teachers. Because these have been created to support and beacause of the reak need of a real group, they have functioned perfectly well. First of all, they gather like-minded professionals ready and open to find solutions to soem urgent matters, Because they teach at different schools, they may share some other experience with one another.

Huda Alsalem /Jordan

2023-03-22 06:19:04 UTC

school based learning communities can become a powerful entry point to professional development and an effective strategy for changing and developing schools.
Educational experiences and practices have proven that the educational reform that is imposed on the school from outside often does not achieve the desired results. Schools to apply them, and the extent of their employees' enthusiasm to accept and support them, are all matters that greatly
affect the success of these reforms.
affectLearning communities emerge as an educational philosophy and a reform development project, which is planned from within the school, in light of the vision and mission of the school itself, and the nature of available material and human resources, through joint teamwork and fruitful cooperation between students, teachers, school administration and the local community..Learning societies represent the real hope for reforming schools and improving educational productivity, especially as it is an entry point for low-cost reform when compared to other reform approaches, as well as in light of actual practices and the transformation of many schools from the traditional style into professional learning societies in many countries of the world, and the success they have achieved. And since the practiced reality indicates that the majority of schools have not yet turned into learning societies, the prevailing ideas and values still revolve around educating students only, although the age stresses the importance of learning for all individuals in schools, including the principal, teacher and student, as it is a society that teaches each other. others
There are several challenges facing building professional learning communities, including the lack of time due to the high quorum of female teachers inside the school, but it is lean and work and building a team spirit requires us to make plans and organize time in order to build learning communities that benefit everyone. It needs patience and bear the pressures of .workI think we learned alot in etwinning

Laura Bozzi - taly

laurabozzi — 2023-03-22 15:09:51 UTC

I think that school-based study groups for professional development are very useful, expecially to enhance relationships between teachers working in the same school, and build a common knowledge.
In my school, only few teachers are able to work on eTwinning, despite the fact that we are running Erasmus plus projects every year. Only few teachers are able to work on our project's twinspace and it's a hard work for them. It might be useful to launch a school-based group "First step in eTwinning and twinspace" (as Vanessa Silva from Madrid suggests here), aimed at sharing knowledge and tools and helping each other develop our projects.

Ceban Ana/Moldova

anaceban1973 — 2023-03-22 18:31:00 UTC

The study group is not a competition, but an opportunity to deepen the subject.
Seek to help and you will be helped.
Be prepared to give if you want to receive. There is no room for selfishness and indifference in teamwork.
I encourage you to share with your peers any materials or strategies that would help you learn better.

Aseel tarawneh,Jordan

2023-03-22 18:38:57 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development can be a useful approach for teachers to collaborate and enhance their skills. These groups can provide a platform for teachers to share their experiences, learn from each other, and discuss effective teaching practices. This can be especially helpful for new teachers who are just starting out in their careers.

Collaborative learning in study groups can also encourage teachers to adopt a growth mindset, which means they are willing to learn and develop their skills continuously. By discussing various teaching strategies and techniques, teachers can become more innovative in their teaching approach, which can lead to better student outcomes.

However, some potential challenges of school-based study groups for professional development include time constraints, scheduling conflicts, and group dynamics. It can be difficult to coordinate meeting times that work for all members, and if group members don't have a shared understanding of the purpose of the group, it may not be as effective. Additionally, there may be personality conflicts within the group, which could hinder effective collaboration.

Overall, school-based study groups can be a useful approach to professional development for teachers, but it's important to carefully consider the logistics and dynamics of the group to ensure its effectiveness.

Abeer Shdeifat

2023-03-23 08:56:42 UTC

I think group for professional development is very important to have in every school because it’s a chance for teachers to work together as one team.
Also aims regarding the curriculum.
The key element in professional development is that of the work group, because that is where teachers get understanding of new practices and they will have opportunity to practice. And this will improve student’s academic level.
Group work is an ideal situation for professional development. Teachers find in it a way to improve their ideas and practices,
It offers a structure that brings every teacher back to the basics of being a learner, of taking responsibility for their own learning,
Group work gives students a chance to learn from each other.
From my own point of view I think Teaching today is best approached as a collaborative endeavor, we need to work with other teachers to ensure that we offer the students the best range of experiences and opportunities.

Aránzazu García Bernal - Spain

2023-03-23 18:48:00 UTC

I really believe that the exchange of good practices you can get in School Based study groups is amazing. Mainly because you are surrounded by your own colleagues, who are inmerse in the same context you are, and have kind of the same students.
It is not just that you exchange practices and ideas, but you can also rely on them and count on them for support and for carrying out different activities.

Natasa Miljanovic, Serbia

natasamiljanovic1 — 2023-03-23 19:42:17 UTC

The concept is very good. These types of groups could be beneficial for teachers, because more efficiant teachers, with longer years in schools, could help younger and less efficiant teachers. There is a potential challenge - finding time and place for meetings, as we all are overwhelmed with our jobs.

Mohammad Darabseh - Jordan

darabsehmohd — 2023-03-23 23:16:24 UTC

I think that using school-based study group with teachers community will provide the best way to develop and improve thinking and teaching methods because I think 🤔 that groups will include experience, youth, encouragement, motivation and all forms you imagine, so everyone will benefit, regardless of his position and goals.
In my context, I was working for 11 year in the capital Amman, and now I work in the far north of Jordan in my town - small town- and I think my colleagues have had different experiences, so we will benefit from each other in these groups.
In my opinion every teacher should develop his performance and I see School-based study groups as the best way to do that

Ilenia Cavani, Italy

ilenia_cavani — 2023-03-24 10:49:44 UTC

My opinion on the school-based groups is that a great opportunities for development and improve professional growth. Working in a group has the advantage of being able to compare and support each over. My school, wich as been involved in eTwinning and Erasmus has understood the importance of setting up a working group, my shool as set up a special commission.

Nisreen Alswaiti / Jordan

nisreen2525majed — 2023-03-24 20:38:22 UTC

Community study groups are one of the strategies that increase the professional competencies of teachers, so that teachers' performance becomes more efficient, effective and collaborative, allowing for the exchange and acquisition of experiences.
I encourage creating a more collaborative environment among teachers, encouraging my colleagues to participate and interact with each other as part of participating in professional development and exchanging experiences.

The benefits of learning communities from my point of view:
• Generating new hypotheses for work development and testing.
• Increasing the speed of teachers' response to developments.
• Increased job satisfaction
• Availability of a supportive environment and support for newcomers teachers.
• Increase creativity at work

One of the challenges is that the professional development plans are not sufficiently ambitious and uncooperative

Marianthi Arvanitidou

2023-03-25 18:46:46 UTC

I try to create collaboration and creativity between groups

Fatma Bouaziz, Tunisia

fatma_bouaziz1 — 2023-03-25 20:39:07 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development are groups of educators who come together to collaboratively study and discuss educational topics in order to enhance their knowledge and improve their teaching practices. These groups are typically composed of teachers, administrators, and other school staff who are interested in a particular topic or issue related to education.
The benefits of school-based study groups for professional development include the opportunity to learn from colleagues who may have different perspectives and experiences, the chance to delve deeper into a topic than would be possible through individual study, and the ability to apply new knowledge and strategies to classroom instruction.
Effective school-based study groups for professional development typically have clear goals and objectives, a defined structure for meetings, and a commitment from all members to participate actively and contribute to discussions. It is also important for the group to have access to relevant resources and materials, and for members to be able to reflect on and evaluate their progress over time.
Overall, school-based study groups for professional development can be a valuable tool for educators looking to improve their teaching practices and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research in education.

Paola Schettin - Germany

paolaschettin — 2023-03-26 13:47:28 UTC

I think that school-based study groups can be very important and useful. Teachers can cooperate and exchange ideas and also help each others. Also working together can improve the motivation and help them to focus. I think the big challenge is to get people involved, since teachers are very busy and most of them are not willing to start new activities.

Georgia Mouselimi, Greece

ginamouselimi — 2023-03-26 14:23:20 UTC

I like the concept. I believe that these groups can offer effective peer support mechanisms for all teachers, regardless of experience. They also can provide an opportunity for colleagues to come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and learn from one another. The group setting can also help to motivate participants and hold them accountable for their own learning.
A challenge or drawback I see with this approach to professional development in my context is to find meeting times that would work for all members. Another one is the lack of time due to work overload or family obligations. However there is a team spirit which will help us to plan and organize our time in order to create our learning community

Lucia Cruschelli from Italy

2023-03-26 17:03:23 UTC

I think that school-based study groups are a greta resource to tecahers, because they can be very much related to the local needs and have a strong influence of the educational choices of the school policies.

Eva López Sepúlveda (Spain)

evalopez3 — 2023-03-26 18:32:40 UTC

School-based study groups can be a valuable tool for professional development among educators, as they provide opportunities for collaboration, professional growth, shared responsibility, and improved student outcomes.
There can be potential challenges or drawbacks with the approach of school-based study groups for professional development. Some of these include:

Limited participation to those who have the time, interest, or commitment to attend regularly.
Group dynamics: Study groups can be susceptible to group dynamics that can impact the quality of the discussions and the level of participation of members. This can lead to a lack of engagement and meaningful contributions.
Lack of focus: Without a clear focus or structure, study groups may become unfocused and meandering, which can be frustrating for members and limit their effectiveness.
Resource allocation: Depending on the size and resources of the school, providing time and resources for study groups may be a challenge. This can result in limited opportunities for professional development for teachers who would benefit from them.
Resistance to change: Teachers may resist new ideas or approaches that are presented in the study group, which can limit the group's effectiveness in promoting professional growth and development.

It's important to address these potential challenges and drawbacks to ensure that study groups are effective in promoting professional development among educators. This can be achieved through clear objectives, expectations, and structure for the group, as well as support and resources from the school administration.

ruqaya khawaldh - jordan

2023-03-26 20:15:01 UTC

School professional learning communities - is one of the methods and methods that are used for the upgrading and professional development of teachers ..

There are several types of school learning communities: -
This community may contain teachers of the same specialization (vertical integration) .. from the same school or other schools..

A learning community that includes teachers to teach the same educational stage but different disciplines (horizontal integration).
Learning communities aim to reach the top - continuous and sustainable progress.
Example: - I invited a learning community for a lesson titled The Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque -

The learning community included the following disciplines:

-Mathematics teacher (to clarify the geometric shapes in building the mosque).

- Fine Arts teacher (to explain the decorations that were built in the mosque)

- Geographic parameter (to clarify the geographical location of the building)

-History teacher (to clarify the historical development of this religious historical landmark)

- Arabic language teacher (to clarify and analyze the poems and articles that talked about the site)

Majdoleen Sweiti / JORDAN

majdoleenmajed12 — 2023-03-27 09:14:53 UTC

School -based study groups communities are one of the methods that work to raise the personal and professional competencies of teachers, so that their performance becomes more efficient and effective, and they work in a cooperative way, which allows the exchange of experiences, the acquisition of best practices, and the treatment of difficulties and challenges facing their work.

One of the benefits of learning societies in my view
• Increasing teachers' response speed to developments, constantly updating their knowledge.
• Generate new hypotheses for work development and testing.
• Getting rid of the walls of isolation between those with the same specialization and between different specializations.
• Increasing job satisfaction and creativity in the profession
• Availability of a supportive environment and support for newcomers.
challenges facing learning societies
There are challenges related to teachers, others related to school principals, and a third related to work systems and procedures.
There are challenges related to the personal aspects of the teacher, including the large number of teaching and administrative burdens that reduce the opportunities for joint work between teachers, followed by the lack of focus in professional development programs on the concept and importance of professional learning communities, then the absence of a common vision among teachers towards improving their professional performance, as well as the lack of teachers’ possession of skills Action research as one of the practices of the professional learning community, in addition to the lack of clarity of the goals of professional learning communities among teachers. Among the challenges are teachers' inclination to traditional work, reliance on individualism in the school environment, fear of taking responsibility, hesitation in initiatives, weak culture of creativity and innovation among them, and lack of interest in research and scientific studies in terms of viewing or conducting them.

With regard to the challenges related to school principals, they include lack of knowledge of the nature and philosophy of professional learning communities, lack of belief in the importance of professional learning communities, and weak administrative skills.

Among the challenges associated with the school environment; The school lacks a supportive educational environment for a professional learning community, followed by the density of students in the classrooms, which reduces the chances of the teacher’s meditation on teaching practices, then the weakness of the necessary capabilities to carry out procedural research to confront educational problems, as well as the lack of exchange of cooperative meetings between schools to discuss and solve problems that hinder the activation of educational societies. Work vocational learning.

Erasmus development plan and school based study groups

maria_elena_picone1 — 2023-03-27 19:33:45 UTC

I consider school based study groups the best way to implement research and change in your classroom.

I think only a little but significant percentage of teachers is eager to join such groups but those who are willing to, should not be stopped or slowed down by other less strategic commitments or by a lack of members.

So a clear vision on the side of the management and an inspiring set of goals for such study groups is needed and Erasmus projects are just honey to my ears if you are such sort of DREAM BIG teacher.

Etwinning groups are a compromise if you can't find enough members to start a group in your school.

Be the change, start in 2 teachers ! Join other groups, spread the ideas

Evangelia Kalogirou_Greece

2023-03-28 14:45:59 UTC

school-based study groups represent a great opportunity for peer reflection processes and progress. One of the greatest benefits is the involvement in local issues of interest.

Nikoletta Liaropoulou, Greece

liaropoulou — 2023-03-29 07:03:57 UTC

School-based study groups could only be beneficial to teachers, students and the whole community. Small study groups would eventually result in building a strong professional learning community within the school that could also be exported to the wider community. A learning community acts as an agent of positive change in a school, brings about new practices and ideas which are adopted by teachers for the benefit of their learners, who are the ulimate recipients of this change. One main challenge is the lack of time for collaboration. More specifically, in Greece, teachers have to do a lot of bureaucratic work along with their teaching assignments and this leaves no time for real collaboration within school hours. Another problem would be the isolation of teachers, usually the older ones, who are used to working alone behind the closed door of their classroom, without interacting with their fellow teachers.

Gaetanina Da Fermo, Italy

dafermogaetanina — 2023-04-02 17:09:53 UTC

Working alone in our classroom we are limited in what we can achieve from our students, working together we can overcome borders and difficulties. School-based study groups are an excellent way to be inspired and motivated and to foster professional development. Team work is essential for the implementation of school projects and for the accomplishment of the educational mission of formal schooling. Training success lies in sharing responsibilities and tasks, in exchanging experiences, tools and didactic techniques. The big challenge is to get teachers involved, building trust and connections in team work. In my school there are study groups with different roles. I'm the Coordinator of a study group that is responsible for the implementation of the Erasmus+ Programme and of the eTwinning action. Thanks of the work of this group our not big but lively school, in Central Italy, has been chosen as a good practice example by the European Commission.
Team experience is the key for innovative teaching and learning.

Kapoglou Chrysovalandou, Greece

2023-04-03 09:55:26 UTC

School based study groups can definitely be of great advantage for teachers. During the group meetings teachers can work together and complete different activities. That provides an opportunity for colleagues to come together, share their knowledge, collaborate and learn from each other. Teachers with longer experience can help, guide, support and inspire teachers with less experience. Through the exchange of good practices they can motivate them, increase their creativity and helps them achieve better results.

A drawback I see with this approach to professional development is the lack of time.

Paulina Kaźmierczak-Majdzińska

ieltateachersdevelopment — 2023-04-05 11:11:17 UTC

Such study groups seem perfect in order to, not only get advantage of a given course, but also realise what our colleagues thinkabouit the content. another beneficial aspect is for the community of students, if a groupof educators fromagiven school takes part in a given course they are more likely to implement it in their teaching and cooperate for the good of the school community,nor create individual not relqated activities, but e.g. a serious campaign for the whole school.

Licia Arcidiacono, Italy

liciaarc — 2023-04-07 11:29:58 UTC

I must say this is a great idea...most teachers at my school find it frustrating to attend courses because their English language competence is not up to the level or because they are not very confident with digital tools. Working together in a blended mode could provide them with the right support. Thanks to the pilot schools for inspirational ideas and trying out solutions that could be applied to other educational contexts around Europe. This is an idea I would like to put forward in my school. The only drawback I see is lack of time when a teacher is asked to spend 1-2 more afternoons at school, while on the contrary a positive point of online courses is that you can do them at your own pace, from home. More experienced teachers may not want to join the group, unless they have a strong sense of commitment towards the rest of the group.

Yolanda Christopoulou, Greece

yolchris — 2023-04-08 05:45:12 UTC

School-based study groups can be a beneficial approach to professional development for teachers. These groups allow teachers to collaborate and share their knowledge and experiences, which can help to improve their teaching practices. By working together in a group, teachers can learn from each other's successes and failures, as well as gain insights into new teaching techniques and strategies. Additionally, these groups can provide a supportive environment for teachers to receive feedback and support from their peers.

One potential challenge with school-based study groups is the availability of time for teachers to participate. Teachers often have busy schedules and may find it difficult to commit the time needed to attend study group meetings regularly. Additionally, if these groups are not facilitated effectively, they may lack structure and focus, which could reduce their effectiveness.

Another potential challenge is the possibility of groupthink. If the study group consists of teachers with similar perspectives and experiences, there may be a tendency to reinforce existing beliefs and ideas rather than challenging them. To avoid this, it may be useful to encourage diverse perspectives and experiences in the group.

Natacha Caremelle, France

caremellelessons — 2023-04-09 17:19:30 UTC

To my mind, a scool-based study group is interesting for my school because it can help us focus on common pedagogical trainings.

For example, in the context of our wish to develop our ERASMUS projects, my principal asked to prepare a meeting to explain what ESEP is and how to get organised for eTwinning projects. A group of interested teachers came and asked questions. It helped them understand what will be developed and how we can do it as a team.
It will strengthen our cohesion of collaboration together as well as our confidence. we will learn from one another.
Another meeting will be organised in order to set up online meetings with our European partners. Some teachers are not at ease with the English language and , as the ERASMUS coordinator speaking English, I will be there to help them during their online meetings.
In fact we all have many questions we would like to have answers to but it gets difficult because of a lack of time.

This is the reason why I think school-based study groups are a necessity.

Romina Marchesani, Italy

rominamarchesani2 — 2023-04-10 19:49:49 UTC

Forming study groups is a very effective strategy in my school for enhancing learning. This is because groups share unique insights and learn from each other. Group members can also teach confusing concepts they understand to other group members. Study groups are particularly effective for completing projects, developing presentations and preparing for exams. The following are advantages of study groups and the strategies for making study groups effective:
Improve notes
Share talents
Support system
Cover more material
Make learning fun!

Nabeeha altaleb

nabeehaaltaleb166 — 2023-04-11 15:05:13 UTC

Jordan
What is your opinion on the concept of school-based study groups for professional development?
I think it is a great concept, we need to apply it in our school because really many teachers love to learn New skills through online profissonal development courses, but they don't have time or they don't have technology skills or the course in English but there language not English, by applying school based study groups they meet in school encourage each other to do the activities of the course learn from each other help each other.
In my school we need school based study groups very much, i think many teachers will encourage to take part in online courses If we apply it, may be the drawbaks is the short time we can meet in the school because we have full schadual

Nadia Buti - Italy

nadia_buti — 2023-04-11 16:01:02 UTC

Building a school-based learning communities is a great opportunity to develop our compentecies, the skills and the professional path of our colleagues. Moreover it could have a great impact on the whole school and on the learning process of our students. Learning from each other, sharing ideas (online and onsite) can inspire and bring new methodologies, innovation at local or internationl levels. Online courses are very useful to reach people and teachers very far away staying in our house, but the impact of the face-to-face meetings is surely more lively and interactive. Creating a group based on special interests for instance ICT, well-being,foreign languages starting from our learning environment can keep our institution updated and open to the new educational needs of our society. Working together is a useful to support each other, to wide our horizons and to increase the european dimension of learning and teaching. Even if our school has been involved since 1997 in European partnership few teachers know a lot about e-twinning for that reason I'm thinking to create a group in order to use the ESEP platform and to share documents, videos, materials about the mobilities realized in the framework of Erasmus+ KA122 project. The role of the Principal and of the Ambassador are fundamentals to create the right educational environment (infodays, meetings...), and now ready to "Learn, share and innovate"!

Mari Luz Castellano, Spain

2023-04-11 17:43:04 UTC

I consider school-based study groups are a very good opportunity to promote the professional development of teachers. They create a network of contact and collaboration between teachers from different places, who share the same objectives and common interests related to education. Continuous training and updating of teachers is a necessary element in their pedagogical work, which is why this study groups can be a great opportunity to facilitate inspiration, collaboration and professional development. We should also consider the possibility of applying it at schools with our students, facilitating the possibility of joining students from different educational levels according to their interests and motivations.

Bilge YILMAZ, TURKEY

bilgeyilmazz — 2023-04-11 17:48:26 UTC

I believe that sharing good practices in School Based workgroups is effective. I think it's very important that every school has a development group because it's a chance for teachers to work together as a team.
Also curricular objectives.
The key element in professional development is that of the working group, because this is where teachers understand new practices and have the opportunity to practice.
Group work is an ideal situation for professional development. In this, teachers find a way to develop their ideas and practices.

Jouhaina Chebil, Tunisia

jouhaina_chebil — 2023-04-12 01:47:23 UTC

I think having a study group in a school - setting is a good idea because it helps teachers to share their experiences to collaborate for interdisciplinary activities and also.
Teachers can learn to help each other, and they can exchange ideas to achieve the curriculum goal.
Even they can do continuous training on different tools either pedagogical or technological.

Carmen Guidetti, Italy

carmenguidetti6 — 2023-04-12 15:59:10 UTC

In my old school, I could try and implement study group learning team thanks to an Erasmus+ project: ALL-IN-EDU!. It was a KA229 project that changed our way to work at school and let us to improve our teaching as well as learning in students.

Virgínia Esteves, Portugal

virginiaesteves — 2023-04-13 00:25:19 UTC

School-based study groups can be an effective way for educators to engage in ongoing professional development and improve their practice. By collaborating with colleagues in a structured and focused way, teachers can deepen their understanding of key concepts, share best practices, and develop new skills.

One of the main benefits of school-based study groups is that they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of teachers and their students. Teachers can identify areas where they would like to grow, and work together to develop strategies and resources to support student learning.

Eldina Englezou, Greece

eleniegglezou2 — 2023-04-13 03:46:49 UTC

School-based study groups could be very beneficial for teachers’ professional development. Through them teachers can improve their work in the classroom. They can also promote collaboration with their colleagues and other people in education.

Alessandra Di Brigida - Italy

plessocavour — 2023-04-16 17:27:17 UTC

I really like this concept and I often use it with my students, but also with my colleagues. Every learning opportunity must start from the concept that no one can teach alone. To be a good teacher, therefore a good speaker, one must have a predisposition to listen to the other. Working as a team therefore has a number of advantages such as for example:
- Create a positive climate
- Motivation to learn
- Lower performance anxiety and promotes the development of self-esteem
- improving communication skills and working together.
- achievement of operational skills.

Javier García, Spain

javierpaisaje20 — 2023-04-23 07:17:26 UTC

School-based study groups are relevant strategies for facilitating collaboration within teachers around areas of interest. In our school, I have participated or coordinated some of them during the last school years:

Some of them around activities of studying, conserving and didactic using the historical heritage from our school, which was founded in 1837.

This school year, I collaborate on a group related to developing materials for learning our city during Medieval Ages and other related to the collaboration between different departments in order to study vegetation, soils, topography, land-use and other human characteristics of an specific plot.

Natalia Sîncu, Republic of Moldova

nataliasincu — 2023-04-23 19:11:28 UTC

I believe that professional development should be coordinated in school groups. Thus, there is the analysis of the realities of the community, the directions of perspective and the improvement in this regard. Therefore, valuable exchange of experience and, most importantly, acting in common interests can be achieved later.

Celina Lajoso, Portugal

celinalajoso — 2023-04-23 20:39:37 UTC

I believe that school-based study groups have great potential in the professional development of teachers, because teachers are given the possibility to share knowledge and reflections on any topic of common interest, such as: assessment; digital technologies; methodologies and active learning; how to promote students' confidence and self-esteem; collaborative tasks among students, etc.

Sharing and reflection on knowledge and practices among teachers does not always happen due to lack of time, but it is certainly an asset for the professional growth of each one of us.

Delphine / France

Delphine_BARRY — 2023-04-23 22:33:01 UTC

School based study groups can help a team of educators to strengthen their relation at work. What I like the most with Etwinning is to be able to share projects in order to make all the students differently. I think that some of my colleagues are ready to start a project but they want to do it with me at first to have that support. Why not to do it with a school in our area and then with colleagues abroad!

Agnieszka Besser-Krysiak (Poland)

2023-04-24 08:16:23 UTC

I believe that a leader, or an eTwinning ambassador, needs to bring people together around them and inspire them to action. It is important that these groups are tailored to the local community and meet its needs. An action plan needs to be adopted in order to implement projects more easily.

Antonietta Amore-Italy

antoniettaamore — 2023-04-24 08:42:43 UTC

Teachers’ professional development could be greatly supported by School-based study groups. Through them teachers could improve their work in the classroom collaborating with their colleagues and other people in education.
Cooperation among teachers and sharing good practices will improve didactic methodologies and better support student's learning.
Sometimes teachers experiment a lack of time: infact it's really hard facing all scheduled activities teachers have to cope with, expecially in certain periods of the year.

Cinzia Perniola Italy

2023-04-24 08:59:17 UTC

School-based study groups can facilitate a teacher-centred approach at school level. These groups in my school offer effective peer support for all teachers, who are less experienced. They also provide an opportunity for colleagues to know each other, share their knowledge and experiences, and learn new things. The group can also help motivate participants. That is especially true as far as the School Erasmus Commission is regarded.

Aikaterini Spitsa, Greece

spitsakaterina — 2023-04-24 14:15:47 UTC

A school‐based learning approach is an innovative model that aimed at promoting teacher professional development on the basis of action learning. It focuses on collaborative learning, learning from experience, and exploring the constructive connection between action and reflection. The model is an attempt to bridge the gap between theory and practice, to develop teachers’ practical wisdom and to promote teacher professional development in daily practice.

marianthi arvanitidou

2023-04-24 16:16:55 UTC

School-based professional development for beginning teachers must be seen as a dynamic identity and decision-making process. Teachers as lifelong learners from the beginning of their career should be able to engage in different forms of teacher education that enable them to progress their learning and development in ways that are relevant to their own individual needs and the needs of their schools and pupils. Teacher individual professional learning is necessary but not sufficient for sustainable change within groups in school and within school as an organization. It is helpful to consider three elements

Carmen Enache, Italy

2023-04-24 16:35:57 UTC

The concept of school-based study groups for professional development is very import to build relationships with your colleagues and teachers from other schools. It is a good opportunity to share knowledge, best practices but also to reflect on common difficulties we face in the schools and to increase the self esteem; teacher training is a long life process in improving skills, attitudes and provide new methodologies and tools (digital and collaborative) engaging our students in an active learning process. Working and learning together will also increase communication and social skills fostering a positive climate and a better motivation to learn.

Atilla Han Özcan

2023-04-24 16:42:39 UTC

By forming school-based teaching groups, we can make the learning environment at school more effective, provide permanent learning, and thus increase the positive commitment levels of the students.

Liliany Escorcia, España

2023-04-25 10:00:04 UTC

In my center we have already been developing several courses for the development of digital teaching skills.
I believe that school-based study groups are a great way for teachers to collaborate and share knowledge and experiences in a supportive environment. These types of groups can be very beneficial for teachers, as they allow them to develop specific skills and knowledge in areas that may be relevant to their daily work in the classroom.

In addition, school-based study groups can help teachers build stronger relationships with each other and foster a greater sense of community within the school. They can also improve consistency in the pedagogical approach and the implementation of educational practices in the classroom.

However, there are potential challenges that must be considered. One of them may be the lack of time and resources to organize and participate in these groups. In addition, there may be a lack of interest or motivation on the part of some teachers to participate in these groups.

Another potential challenge is ensuring that school-based study groups are inclusive and open to all teachers, regardless of experience or skill level. It is important that these groups do not become exclusive "groups" and that the equal and fair participation of all teachers is ensured.

In general, I believe that school-based study groups are a useful professional development tool for teachers. If they are properly organized and equitable and fair participation is ensured, they can be very beneficial in improving the quality of education at school.

brangute_renata — 2023-04-25 17:38:54 UTC

I agree with your statements... I think it's great opportunity and challenge too. But somtimes it's hard to find time for everything. Renata, Lithuania

Özlem DOĞRU, TÜRKİYE

ozlemsahin99 — 2023-04-25 19:57:54 UTC

Teachers are people who spend more time at school than at home.So, a good school climate is a situation that directly affects both the psychological health and professional productivity of the teacher. These groups formed in schools and formal and informal activities, sharing experiences, learning from each other, and thus contributing to the development of the teacher greatly contribute to the development of the student.

insaf ben rached from tunisia

coachinsaf — 2023-04-25 21:22:06 UTC

I think that an eTwinning ambassador must be a rallying point and a person of confidence and charisma to have the teachers around him and encourage them to act. It should be noted that these workshops made mast be adapted to the local community and meet the needs and expectations of the target population. An action plan must be adopted to facilitate the implementation of the projects.

R. Özler ÖZSEÇER-Türkiye

2023-04-25 21:56:29 UTC

ın my opinion; School-based learning approach is very essential for both teachers individual and professional development and it offers for teachers a lot of opportunities such as sharing good practices, having a positive atmosphere at school or anywhere, being eager to new educational teachniques, improving social and communication skills, getting inspiration from each other, having fun and more.

Cinzia Cotti -Italy

CinziaCotti — 2023-04-25 23:27:31 UTC

I believe that building school-based learning communities can be an effective way to create groups of teachers who collaborate and become a real team. I want to reuse this resource in my action plan as an Ambassador.

Nomeda Vykertiene - Lithuania

vykertnomeda — 2023-04-26 16:17:02 UTC

After projects teachers become more communicative. They want to be more available and want to share their experiences. The main thing to share ideas and to organise meetings

novella_turrin — 2023-05-08 16:21:02 UTC

I do believe School-based study groups are a useful way to keep in contact with colleagues in the same school and to motivate teams of teachers. Moreover, working together in a bended mode can provide support to all participants. Colleagues would be more at ease speaking their own language rather than English and this can boost participation. Thanks to pilot schools for their inspirational ideas.

Salvador Páez Rodríguez. SPAIN

salprosm1 — 2023-09-24 18:59:42 UTC

In my opinion, it is very important to design a school plan in which the lines of work in the different plans and educational programs in which the school works are clearly defined. This way they will remain active throughout the courses. It is very important to create an environment of collaboration and participation in which all teachers are involved and the support of the management is total.

Nevzat CAN- TÜRKİYE

etwinning191 — 2023-09-26 08:36:43 UTC

School-based professional development is a very useful practice to provide teachers with better learning opportunities. In our country, our Ministry of National Education has implemented a project on this subject and it is easy and efficient to open School-Based Professional Development courses in schools.

Cristina Stan, Romania

2023-09-27 13:36:55 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development can indeed be highly beneficial for teachers for several reasons:

Collaborative Learning: Teachers can benefit from sharing their experiences and insights with colleagues. Study groups create a collaborative environment where educators can learn from each other, exchange ideas, and collectively address common challenges.

Customization: School-based study groups can be tailored to address the specific needs and goals of a school or a group of teachers. This customization allows for targeted professional development that is relevant to the school's context.

Peer Support: Teachers often find comfort and motivation in working with peers. Study groups provide a support network where educators can seek advice, encouragement, and solutions to problems they encounter in the classroom.

Continuous Learning: Professional development is an ongoing process, and study groups can promote a culture of continuous learning within a school. They encourage educators to stay updated with new teaching methods, technologies, and educational research.

Cost-Effective: Compared to external workshops or courses, school-based study groups can be a cost-effective way to provide professional development opportunities for teachers.

However, there are potential challenges and drawbacks to consider:

Time Constraints: Teachers have demanding schedules, and finding time for study groups can be challenging. Balancing the demands of classroom teaching with professional development can be a struggle.

Group Dynamics: The success of study groups depends on effective group dynamics. If group members have conflicting personalities or goals, it can hinder the learning process.

Limited Expertise: The effectiveness of study groups may be limited by the collective expertise of the group. If the group lacks diversity or access to external resources, it may not address all the professional development needs adequately.

Sustainability: Maintaining the momentum of study groups over the long term can be a challenge. Ensuring that they remain relevant and engaging may require ongoing effort.

Resource Constraints: Schools with limited resources may struggle to provide the necessary support, materials, or facilitation for study groups.

In summary, school-based study groups can be a valuable tool for teacher professional development, promoting collaboration, customization, and continuous learning. However, addressing challenges related to time constraints, group dynamics, and resource limitations is crucial to ensuring their effectiveness.

Simona Bernabei, Italy

2023-10-09 16:08:16 UTC

My audio about school-based learning approach. Building a group on well-being-related topics.

Valerica Mititelu - Romania

valericamititelu — 2023-10-20 18:00:40 UTC

School -based study groups offer effective peer support mechanisms for all teachers, regardless of experience. They also provide an opportunity for colleagues to come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and learn from one another. That is why I think it is important to have such groups in eTwinning too.

Aida Alakbarova / Azerbaijan

aide_alekberova1 — 2023-10-20 19:49:34 UTC

Schools must constantly seek ways of continuous improvement in every aspect of their activities.
In this direction, MIP acts as a tool that promotes self-evaluation of schools.
Sustainable development of schools and continuous improvement of the Development Plan
ensuring independent implementation by schools
is highly dependent on creating a culture of self-evaluation. Inside the school
This is the establishment of a Professional Development Community or the effective organization of the activities of method associations
it was found as a result of studies that it had a positive effect on the realization of the goal.
Professional Development Communities for teachers to improve student achievement
is a way to ensure development

José María, Spain

2023-10-21 12:18:42 UTC

School study groups are one of the best options to improve the skills of coworkers at school.
1. It allows us to do joint work in which we all learn from each other without anyone having a dominant voice.
2. It allows us to have an open mind to change, seeing the real advantages of new methods
3. It provides us an environment of exchange open to the world, something that is very important for the citizens of the future.

Irene Confalone-Italy

confalone — 2023-10-21 15:40:31 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development can be strongly beneficial for teachers when well-organized and supported. They foster collaboration and peer support. However, challenges like varying expertise and the need for structure should be addressed to maximize their effectiveness. Combining internal study groups with external resources can help strike a balance between local expertise and exposure to broader educational trends. I think that in group projects, teachers can have this sort of new sharing flow of ideas.

Cornelia Melcu, Romania

corneliamelcu — 2023-11-06 17:46:35 UTC

School-based learning communities means:

Teachers collaborate with each other in common projects and/or they engage in co-teaching activities.

The school creates and supports continuous learning opportunities for all staff e.g., participation in trainings, conferences, distant learning

The school promotes team learning and collaboration among all staff.

The school nurtures a culture of inquiry, innovation and exploration.

Hawraa Ghandour/ Lebanon

hawraaghandour1 — 2023-11-09 16:54:25 UTC

I believe school-based study groups for professional development are immensely beneficial for teachers. They create a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and mutual support, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Through these groups, teachers can implement effective teaching strategies, navigate challenges together, and stay updated on evolving educational trends. However, challenges such as time constraints, differing priorities, group dynamics, resource limitations, and potential resistance to change need careful consideration and management to ensure the success of these initiatives. Overall, when well-facilitated and aligned with individual and school-wide goals, school-based study groups can significantly contribute to the growth and effectiveness of teachers.

Ilaha Guliyeva/Baku,Azerbaijan🇦🇿.

ilahakulieva — 2023-11-10 07:23:34 UTC

In a world where teachers are required to become ‘high-level knowledge workers’, the emergence of the school as a learning organisation is vital. And without any doubt today's learning organisations are envisaged as places where people at all levels continually expand and develop their skills.
There are various benefits of school based study groups for professional development.

"These groups offer effective peer support mechanisms for all teachers, regardless of experience."

They also provide an opportunity for colleagues to come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and learn from one another.
As for me, development comes when teachers have a unique community where they are able to share their experiences and gain new information on education technology and methods . I learned that success comes with helping others and being social is ultimately the most important thing in life.
Good luck everyone 🍀!

Aida Elyazova,Azerbaijan.

aidaelyazova1977 — 2023-11-11 17:41:34 UTC

To my mind the school based group is for teachers to support and motivate each other so as to benefit from online professional development opportunities. During the study group meetings the teachers complete online activities together, support each other with technical or other issues, and discuss the topics of the professional development activities.

Alessandra Ortolano - Italy

ortolanoalessandra — 2023-11-20 17:04:21 UTC

For me if I learn new things, school has to have some qualities. First of all, teachers should interact with another. Moreover, the classroom should not be crowded and needs to be comfortably spacious. Democratic, comfortable, and free learning environment facilitates learning new things. The school administration and teachers should cooperate. Students who were willing and open to learn are the most important factor since they are related to all.

Jose Luis García de Diego - SPAIN

jlgarciadi — 2023-12-24 09:12:47 UTC

Professional development groups should be focus in one matter or goal and sharing knowledge, good practices, manuals. That makes easy the way of working and improve the teaching activity

Susann Pattoka, Germany

susannpattoka1 — 2023-12-28 15:06:50 UTC

Adriana Bujag/Moldova

2023-12-29 16:16:14 UTC

Participation in professional development programmes can increase teachers' motivation and job satisfaction. This can lead to deeper learning and greater engagement in the educational process.

Increased collaboration between colleagues: Professional development programmes can bring teachers from different subject areas and schools together, facilitating the exchange of ideas and good practice. This collaboration can lead to innovation and continuous improvement in the education system.

Cristina Iulia Gila, Romania

cristinagila09 — 2024-01-12 21:58:41 UTC

School-based study groups are one of the most effective and encouraging ways of professional development for teachers. These groups offer effective peer support mechanisms for all teachers, regardless of experience. During study group meetings teachers can collaborate and complete online activities together, support each other on technical and other issues and discuss topics of professional development activities. Also working together can improve the motivation and help them to focus.

Alina Safta, Romania

projectteam989_ — 2024-01-13 11:49:10 UTC

To work in collaboration is a great way to be better.

Communication is very important in working groups and together can develop good sollutions

Emilia Alexe, Romania

scoalavaduparului — 2024-01-14 09:20:50 UTC

The concept of school-based study group for professional development is a good one because if we form such type of study group we see that we have things in common with other professionals, we are inspired, motivated to develop our career, we can ask for help or we offer help, we support each other, we share good practice, we see that we are not alone.We all know that our students love working in groups.

Drawback points could be the time allocated , you have to be an open minded person, friendly, too, respect other people's opinion.

Nela Dumea, Romania

2024-01-14 17:47:48 UTC

There are several advantages of school-based study groups for professional development: Within a study group, professionals can share their experiences, ideas, and approaches regarding teaching practices and classroom management; group members can provide each other with feedback on teaching methods, classroom management strategies, or other education-related aspects; professionals can learn from each other through discussions and practical activities; group members can bring diverse resources (books, articles, educational materials, etc.) that contribute to the professional development of all participants.

Carla Asquini Italy

carlavai0 — 2024-01-15 08:56:05 UTC

A good idea, of course!

In Italy, at primary school level, collaboration between teachers is a consolidated practice. In fact, constant meetings are planned to develop the activities to be carried out in class.

Starting from secondary school, however, collaboration is less relevant, there is a tendency to have some department meetings, between teachers in areas such as linguistics, science, etc., to align teaching, especially in view of the final exams. cycle.

The introduction of the digital animator and the innovation team is interesting, as they propose a series of contents.

After a few years of suspension, at the moment, thanks to PNRR funds, we are returning to the concept of experts, with the task of supporting teachers in the challenging phase of digital transition and acquisition of new languages.

It is important to remember that the motivation of teachers in most cases is not only didactic-pedagogical or personal, but also economic

Nicoletta Huștiuc, România

gradi_vinerea — 2024-01-15 15:49:43 UTC

School based learning groups are very important because teacher can collaborate and work to achieve à common goal. School comunity will be better using this groups.

Maria Ţuca

damia_edu — 2024-01-15 22:22:49 UTC

A collaborative learning community involves some form of team teaching, and interdisciplinary themes are common in learning communities because they are intrinsic to the nature of the endeavor itself.

A learning community is like a group of people who have come together on purpose to help each other learn and grow. Community members engage in ongoing dialogue and cooperation as they work together to achieve common educational goals.

Nicoleta Cindea Romania

2024-01-15 22:25:54 UTC

great achievements came only from teamwork . And of course we need to star form kindergarden till the end of our life

Adriana Maris, Romania

adrianamaris201 — 2024-01-16 20:52:37 UTC

School based learning groups should be the first, most accessible environment for teachers to develop. A potential challenge could be the competition between teachers in the same school, but in most cases it can be avoided.

Emese Cîmpean, Romania

cimpean_emese — 2024-01-17 21:54:31 UTC

They are a great idea, a community can thrive while collaborating and communicating effectively, having the same goal.

Nina Babcinețchii, Moldova

2024-01-19 12:29:42 UTC

School-based study groups are a valuable resource for education professionals seeking professional development. These groups provide the ideal setting to share experiences, ideas and approaches to teaching and management practices. Group members can give each other constructive feedback on teaching methods, management strategies, or other aspects of education. This feedback can be extremely valuable to everyone's professional development.

Cernei Kristina, Republic of Moldova

cristinacernei1 — 2024-01-19 13:42:19 UTC

In a community not only do yu share interests but also share diffculties and make sure to have people who can always give you a hand.

Dorina Vacari, Moldova

2024-01-19 19:04:27 UTC

School-based study groups for teachers can be helpful, encouraging collaboration and sharing best practices. However, challenges like time constraints and varying levels of engagement need to be considered for effective implementation.

Emiliana Rufo, Italy

emilianarufo3 — 2024-02-01 15:24:00 UTC

School-based study groups can be a valuable tool for professional development, but it is important to be aware of both the potential benefits and challenges. The success of these groups hinges on factors like clear goals, effective facilitation, and the commitment of the participating teachers.

Benefits:

Collaboration and shared learning: Study groups provide a platform for teachers to share their experiences, ideas, and best practices. This collaborative learning can lead to new insights, improved teaching strategies, and a sense of community.
Focused and relevant learning: Groups can tailor their discussions and activities to address specific needs and challenges they face in their own school context. This makes the learning more relevant and applicable to their specific situation.
Peer support and motivation: Participating in a study group can provide teachers with much-needed support and motivation. Sharing their struggles and successes with colleagues can help them feel less isolated and more encouraged to continue their professional development journey.
Cost-effective: School-based study groups are a relatively inexpensive form of professional development, as they require minimal resources beyond the time and commitment of the participating teachers.

Potential challenges:

Time commitment: Finding time for regular meetings can be challenging, especially for teachers with busy schedules.
Group dynamics: Ensuring all members feel comfortable participating and that the group functions effectively can require careful facilitation and attention to group dynamics.
Limited scope: School-based groups may not have access to the same range of resources or expertise as external professional development providers.
Evaluation: Measuring the impact of study groups on teacher practice and student learning can be difficult.

Maria Goreti Alves, Portugal

goretialves — 2024-02-10 16:23:32 UTC

School-based study groups can be a very important at school. They provide teachers with a platform to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences, besides fostering a sense of community and collective growth within the school. These groups can be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the teachers within a school. By promoting collaboration with peers in a supportive environment and fostering the exchange of ideas and shared successes this can be a source of motivation and inspiration to be more creative and innovative. The potential challenges might be related to time constraints, finding the time for the meetings, and sustainability. These study groups should be supported by the school leadership, in order to be sustainable.

Anna Bardzaková, Slovakia

anika_vojtkova — 2024-02-11 13:27:39 UTC

Participating in school-based study groups offers educators an effective avenue for continuous professional development. Through structured collaboration with colleagues, teachers can enhance their grasp of essential concepts, exchange best practices, and cultivate new skills.

A key advantage of school-based study groups lies in their adaptability to cater to the distinct requirements of teachers and students. Teachers can pinpoint areas for personal growth and collaborate to devise strategies and resources that enhance student learning.

Susana Rodrigues, Portugal

2024-02-17 21:28:24 UTC

School-based study groups can in my opinion be highly beneficial for teachers, because study groups provide teachers with an opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other's experiences, expertise, and perspectives. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community among teachers, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement in professional development activities.

In conclusion, while school-based study groups offer numerous benefits for teacher professional development, they also present challenges that need to be addressed to ensure their success. With careful planning, support, and commitment from all stakeholders, study groups can be a valuable tool for promoting continuous improvement and collaboration among teachers.

Melisa Husejnović, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Inowoman — 2024-03-06 15:59:15 UTC

Study groups encourage collaborative learning, allowing teachers to share experiences, strategies, and resources. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community among educators. Teachers in study groups often find a supportive network within their school community. This peer support can be valuable for addressing challenges, sharing successes, and creating a positive and collaborative working environment.

School-based study groups are generally seen as a positive approach to professional development for teachers. The benefits of collaboration, tailored learning, and peer support often outweigh the challenges. Success largely depends on effective planning, addressing time constraints, and ensuring that the content is relevant and responsive to the diverse needs of teachers within the school context.

Rita Armentano Italy

2024-03-08 19:31:17 UTC

Community-based learning refers to a wide variety of instructional methods and programs that educators use to connect what is being taught in schools to their surrounding communities, including local institutions, history, literature, cultural heritage, and natural environments. Community-based learning is also motivated by the belief that all communities have intrinsic educational assets and resources that educators can use to enhance learning experiences for students.

Proponents of community-based generally argue that students will be more interested in the subjects and concepts being taught, and they will be more inspired to learn, if academic study is connected to concepts, issues, and contexts that are more familiar, understandable, accessible, or personally relevant to them. By using the “community as a classroom,” advocates would argue, teachers can improve knowledge retention, skill acquisition, and preparation for adult life .

Maria Silva, Portugal

europanaescola2021 — 2024-03-26 17:38:14 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development have proven to be invaluable in my experience. For instance, in our school, we formed a study group focused on integrating technology into the curriculum (PADDE). As a result of the pandemic, a group of teachers met regularly to explore new educational apps, share best practices on online sessions, and develop lesson plans incorporating digital tools that were shared. This collaborative effort not only enhanced our technological skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among colleagues.

However, one challenge we encountered was finding time for meetings amidst busy schedules and conflicting priorities. To address this, we established a rotating schedule and one a term would organise informal sharing sessions online. Additionally, ensuring equal participation from all members and addressing varying levels of technological proficiency were ongoing considerations. Despite these challenges, the benefits of the study group far outweighed the difficulties, ultimately leading to improved teaching practices and student engagement.

Selma Mahmić, Bosnia and Herzegovina

uciteljicaselma — 2024-04-18 13:03:14 UTC

The exchange of ideas always produces good results. Participation in professional development programs can increase teacher motivation and job satisfaction.

Maja Medić, Serbia

majateacher81_ — 2024-05-02 07:11:27 UTC

Weather we like it or not, online teaching is our reality and we should posses necessary skills. In my opinion, teachers would better learn from their colleagues than from some external experts. They would feel more comfortable and relaxed to ask for help and work on their weak spots. However, it is very difficult to find time for extra activities since we all have busy schedules.

Vykinta Saulyte-Bukauskaite, from Belgium

vykinta — 2024-05-24 13:26:15 UTC

School-based study groups offer a powerful approach to professional development for teachers. Here’s why I believe they can be incredibly beneficial:

Benefits:

Collaboration and Peer Support,
Continuous Improvement,
Empowerment,
Building a Learning Community.

However, there are challenges that need to be addressed for these groups to be successful:

Challenges:

Time Constraints: teachers’ schedules are often packed, and finding time for regular study group meetings can be difficult.
Resource Limitations: schools may lack the necessary resources, such as materials or funding, to support these groups effectively.

Varying Commitment Levels: not all teachers may be equally committed, which can affect the group’s dynamics and overall success.

Facilitation and Leadership: effective study groups require skilled facilitators to guide discussions and manage conflicts, which can be a challenge without proper training.
Sustaining Momentum: keeping the momentum and enthusiasm for the study groups over time can be challenging, requiring continuous effort and adaptation.

ASLI CÜRE/Samsun-Türkiye

erasmussamsun — 2024-06-10 12:43:16 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development can be highly beneficial for teachers for several reasons. These groups foster a collaborative learning environment where teachers can share knowledge, experiences, and resources, which can lead to improved teaching practices and enhanced student outcomes. Here’s a deeper dive into the potential benefits and challenges of this approach:

### Benefits of School-Based Study Groups for Professional Development

1. Collaborative Learning:

- Teachers can learn from each other's experiences and expertise.

- Sharing best practices and teaching strategies can lead to innovative approaches in the classroom.

2. Personalized Professional Development:

- Study groups allow teachers to focus on topics that are most relevant to their needs and interests.

- Tailored learning experiences can be more engaging and effective.

3. Building a Supportive Community:

- Teachers can form a supportive network, which can be especially beneficial in addressing common challenges.

- Emotional and professional support from colleagues can enhance job satisfaction and reduce burnout.

4. Continuous Improvement:

- Regular meetings and discussions encourage continuous reflection and improvement of teaching practices.

- Ongoing professional development helps teachers stay current with educational trends and research.

5. Practical Application:

- Teachers can immediately apply what they learn in study groups to their classrooms, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustment.

- Practical, classroom-focused discussions can be more directly impactful than generic professional development sessions.

### Potential Challenges and Drawbacks

1. Time Constraints:

- Finding time for regular meetings can be challenging given teachers' busy schedules.

- Balancing study group participation with other professional and personal responsibilities can be difficult.

2. Group Dynamics:

- The effectiveness of the group can be influenced by interpersonal dynamics and varying levels of commitment.

- Dominant personalities might overshadow quieter members, potentially limiting diverse input.

3. Resource Availability:

- Schools may lack the necessary resources, such as access to current research materials or funding for collaborative projects.

- Limited technological tools and support can hinder the effectiveness of study groups.

4. Consistency and Sustainability:

- Maintaining consistent participation and enthusiasm over time can be challenging.

- Without strong leadership and clear goals, study groups may lose focus and effectiveness.

5. Alignment with School Goals:

- Study group topics and activities need to align with broader school goals and policies to ensure coherence in professional development efforts.

- Lack of alignment can result in fragmented professional growth and missed opportunities for school-wide improvement.

### Conclusion

Overall, school-based study groups for professional development hold significant potential for enhancing teaching practices and fostering a collaborative school culture. However, for these groups to be truly effective, careful planning and support are essential. Schools need to address potential challenges proactively by providing time, resources, and clear objectives to ensure that study groups contribute meaningfully to teachers' professional growth and, ultimately, to student success.

YELDA KILIÇARSLAN TÜRKİYE ÇORUM

yeldakuscukilicarslan — 2024-06-10 13:48:35 UTC

I believe that school-based professional development working groups can be very valuable for teachers. Here are some important points:

First of all, it is very important for teachers to ensure their professional development by focusing on the needs and problems of their own school context. In this way, they can directly apply the knowledge and skills they acquire in their own classrooms and schools.

Additionally, working closely with colleagues, sharing experiences and learning from each other is very beneficial for teachers' development. These learning communities within the school prevent teachers from feeling lonely and enable them to produce solutions together.

However, there may be some difficulties in establishing and maintaining such working groups. For example, it may be difficult for teachers to allocate additional time due to their already heavy workloads. Ensuring the support of the school administration is also critical. Additionally, group members may require a certain amount of discipline and motivation to maintain active participation and cooperation.

Despite this, the benefits of school-based professional development working groups to teachers justify overcoming these challenges. Teachers' interaction with each other, cooperation, problem solving and developing innovative practices will increase the quality of education.

Ana Ribeiro, Portugal

anaribeiro4 — 2024-06-25 16:35:47 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development can greatly benefit teachers by fostering a collaborative learning environment where they can share knowledge, resources, and experiences. This personalized approach allows teachers to focus on specific areas of interest or need, making the learning more relevant and immediately applicable. Additionally, the support and encouragement from colleagues can increase motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

However, there are potential challenges such as time constraints, group dynamics, and maintaining consistency and commitment. Teachers’ demanding schedules can make regular participation difficult, and issues within the group can hinder productivity. Additionally, access to necessary resources and alignment with broader school goals are crucial for the success of these study groups. With careful planning and support, these groups can effectively enhance teachers' professional growth and improve teaching practices.

Miriam Salinas, Spain

2024-07-28 17:59:37 UTC

School-based study groups are a fantastic initiative that promotes collaboration, inclusion and cooperation. Benefits outweigh the disadvantges. Teachers in need of help feel confortable in a flexible learning context adapted to their needs. Experienced teachers are rewarded sharing their knowledge and expertise with the support of brand-new content.

School-based study groups should be promoted and disseminated in a positive way in order to enhance their most important aspects.

I believe that it could be a fantastic idea to implement them in my regional context. They will be very useful.

Elena Vladescu, Romania

evlad2000 — 2024-08-15 10:01:28 UTC

Participants from the same school in a study group have the opportunity to work in a team and share best practice. Also, they can support each other and learn about topics relevant to their needs and interests. They may have the opportunity to find solutions to common challenges. The school always may benefit from such study groups.

Olga Milićević, Serbia

2024-08-20 12:18:56 UTC

The concept of school study groups for professional development is very useful as it allows teachers to exchange experiences, enhance their knowledge, and receive support in applying new methods in their work. I believe that these groups can be significant for teachers because they encourage continuous learning and collaboration, which is crucial for improving the quality of education. However, challenges may include a lack of time for regular participation and the need to tailor materials to the specific needs and context of preschool education.

Sandra Pinto, Portugal

sandracostapinto — 2024-09-06 09:27:47 UTC

Most of the teachers at my school find it frustrating to attend courses because their English skills are not up to scratch or because they are not very confident with digital tools. Working together in a blended mode could provide them with the right support. Thank you to the pilot schools for their inspiring ideas and for trialling solutions that can be applied in other educational contexts across Europe. This is an idea I would like to put into practice in my school. The only drawback I can see is the lack of time when a teacher is asked to spend an extra afternoon or two at school, whereas, on the contrary, a positive point of online courses is that you can do them at your own pace, from home. More experienced teachers may not want to join the group unless they have a strong sense of commitment to the rest of the group.

Marija Rasic, Serbia

2024-09-10 16:51:51 UTC

I like this idea of school study groups and I think we can benefit from them a lot. Getting together, sharing and finding interesting solutions to different problems is essential for creating a positive learning environment. Moreover, we can make the most of technology and use it to improve our teaching skills and learn more on the subject. Webinars, presentations, debates are an excellent way to develop our professional skills.

Aicha Benslimen, Tunisia

aichabenslimen5 — 2024-10-31 18:38:45 UTC

An eTwinning ambassador should serve as a central figure, embodying trust and charisma to inspire and mobilize fellow educators. It is essential that the workshops are tailored to the local community, addressing the specific needs and expectations of the intended audience. Additionally, a comprehensive action plan must be established to support the effective execution of the projects.

Milena Radovanovic, Belgrade, Serbia

milenaradovanovic81 — 2025-01-20 14:22:27 UTC

I believe school-based study groups for professional development can be highly beneficial for teachers. These groups create an environment for collaborative learning, where teachers can share strategies, insights, and challenges, ultimately fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Here’s why I think they can be effective: collaboration and peer learning and sustained professional growth. There are some potential challenges: Teachers often have heavy workloads and carving out time for study groups can be difficult.Study groups work best when they are collaborative and inclusive. However, if the group becomes dominated by a few voices or if there’s lack of trust, it may lead to disengagement from some participants.

Patrizia Dinoi, Lecce, Italy

2025-02-07 21:15:05 UTC

School study groups could be a great opportunity for teachers to plan and analylise together new strategies to find new ways of learning and teaching.

Maria Luisa Tonali, Italy

Coruna2026 — 2025-04-29 22:16:40 UTC

School-based study groups can indeed be an effective, teacher-centered approach to fostering collaboration and supporting successful initiatives through guidance and the exchange of good practices. However, they can be difficult to implement due to the many commitments and pre-scheduled activities teachers face throughout the year. For this reason, it is essential that such groups are well-balanced and carefully organized.

Ianchiș Adriana, Caransebș, Romania

ianchisadrianav — 2025-04-30 14:06:23 UTC

The school-based study groups offer the new approach of teaching.

Briana Belciug, Romania

briana_belciug — 2025-05-02 08:44:46 UTC

I do believe that school-based study groups are great for professional development. Teachers share and learn together great things.

Simona Ploscar, România

sploscar5 — 2025-05-14 07:57:48 UTC

School-based study groups can be highly beneficial for professional development when they are well-structured, teacher-driven, and adequately supported. The main challenges involve time, facilitation, and ensuring meaningful engagement. With attention to these factors, they can foster deep, sustainable growth for educators and ultimately improve student learning.

Nicoleta Militaru, Romania

nicoletamilitar — 2025-05-20 09:48:04 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development can be highly beneficial for teachers when implemented thoughtfully. Unlike external PD workshops, these groups are grounded in the specific challenges and goals of the school. This increases the relevance and applicability of what’s being learned. PD that occurs regularly in a study group format can have a greater long-term impact than one-off training sessions. Ongoing dialogue helps with the gradual implementation and refinement of new practices.

alina popa romania

popalina21 — 2025-05-24 19:05:39 UTC

we are taking several meetings for disemination the projects and activities. Also I am sharing and explainign the parts of web2.0 tools that are not very easy to handle in the classroom.

Cristina Nicolaita, Romania

crist_nycol — 2025-05-25 13:20:08 UTC

In fact, I was a part of a Pilot Project on Building school-based learning communities. You can find out more about the project here https://studygroups.my.canva.site/

Catalin Craciun, Romania

catalincraciun3 — 2025-05-25 17:33:32 UTC

School based study and methodical groups in schools that share ideas, concepts discovered in activities, projects, courses bring a great benefit to educational systems.

Lazea Ionela Camelia, Romania

kameeliah16bis — 2025-05-26 07:55:47 UTC

School-based learning communities are very effective professional learning communities of educators because they aim to collaborate to improve teaching practices and enhance student learning by focusing on a common goal, shared responsibility and continuous improvement.

Adina Stratulat, Romania

adina_stratulat — 2025-06-07 19:33:00 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development (often called Professional Learning Communities or PLCs) are, in my view, one of the most powerful, sustainable, and teacher-centered approaches to continuous learning in education. They align with how adults learn best: socially, contextually, and with immediate application. Teachers are solving problems in their own classrooms. A study group anchored in their specific school environment can focus on relevant challenges—curriculum alignment, student engagement, classroom management—without wasting time on generic training.These groups foster shared ownership over growth. Teachers move from passive recipients of PD to active participants, learning from peers' successes and mistakes. That collegial trust builds morale and reduces isolation. Potential Challenges or Drawbacks: Teachers already juggle overloaded schedules. Without protected time in the school timetable, study groups risk becoming optional or rushed; Just gathering people in a room doesn’t guarantee learning. Without a trained facilitator, groups can drift off-topic, reinforce poor practices, or lack structure; In schools with low collaboration culture or where professional vulnerability is unsafe, study groups might face resistance or mistrust.

Borș Elisabeta Edit Romania

edit70 — 2025-06-21 14:57:57 UTC

I believe that school study groups for professional development are a valuable initiative because they provide teachers with a collaborative framework in which they can reflect, learn and innovate together. These groups are beneficial because they support the exchange of good practices, stimulate motivation and contribute to the creation of a strong professional community in the school.
Yes, these types of groups can be beneficial for teachers because they encourage collaborative learning, the exchange of good practices and the development of a professional culture based on mutual support.

Gabriela Ciolpan, Romania

gabrriellaa2x — 2025-06-22 08:52:58 UTC

I consider it approapriate and we implemented one pilot study group in our school. It was a success for both teachers and students.

Florentina Vârtosu-Toma,Romania

vartosuflorentina78 — 2025-06-22 11:33:23 UTC

The group`s teachers focused on defining and implementing actions supporting teachers who lack relevant skills to benefit from online professional development opportunities, encourage those who would normally be less interested in participating in such professional development formats, and recognise the work of those who successfully do.

Moț Cornelia Alina, Romania

motcornelia994 — 2025-06-22 12:22:30 UTC

School-level study groups can be very beneficial for teachers, as they encourage collaboration, sharing of best practices and professional reflection. They support continuous learning and team cohesion. However, challenges can include lack of time, resistance to change or differences in commitment between members.

Monica Iuliana ONICA, Spiru Haret National College, Romania

monicaonica20 — 2025-06-23 16:13:15 UTC

My opinion on the concept of school-based study groups for professional development:

I believe that school-based study groups are an effective and valuable method for teachers’ professional development. These groups promote collaboration among colleagues, the exchange of best practices, and the adaptation of learning to the specific needs of the school. They provide a safe space where teachers can openly discuss challenges, try new methods, and reflect together on teaching experiences.

The benefits of such groups include:

Strengthening teamwork and collaboration among teachers
Continuous learning that can be directly applied in the classroom
Increasing motivation and engagement in personal development
Encouraging creativity and innovation through idea sharing

Potential challenges or drawbacks might be:

Finding suitable time for meetings can be difficult with busy schedules
Lack of clear goals or facilitation might reduce the effectiveness of discussions
Some teachers may hesitate to share problems or difficulties
Resistance to change or irregular participation

In my context, for these groups to work well, support from school leadership, clear objectives, and a climate of trust and mutual respect are essential.

Alina Ștefania Lazăr, Romania

alinalazar2013 — 2025-07-04 05:52:03 UTC

Benefits of school-based study groups:

Collaborative learning
Teachers learn from one another by sharing effective practices, discussing real classroom experiences, and reflecting together — often more relevant than formal training.
Contextual relevance
Since participants work in the same school or system, the discussions are directly applicable to their daily teaching.
Continuous and self-directed professional growth
Teachers can take charge of their own development, choosing topics that truly interest or challenge them.
Emotional and professional support
These groups offer a safe space for reflection and mutual support, which helps reduce burnout and isolation.

Potential challenges:

Lack of time
Busy schedules may make it difficult for teachers to attend regularly or invest fully in the process.
Low engagement or motivation
Without a strong collaborative culture, some teachers may see the group as a bureaucratic task rather than an opportunity.
Poor coordination
Without clear goals or a skilled facilitator, the group may lose focus and become ineffective.
Limited resources
A lack of materials, dedicated space, or leadership support can affect how productive and sustainable the group is.

Mihaela Paduraru Comanoiu/Romania

padurarumihaela2012 — 2025-07-06 01:56:14 UTC

School-based study groups for professional development are a valuable opportunity for teachers. They encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices in a safe and collaborative environment. These groups also help build a learning community within the school, where teachers can support each other and find practical solutions to everyday challenges in teaching.

There are also some challenges: lack of time, busy schedules, and sometimes a limited institutional culture of collaboration. Still, if these study groups are well-organized and supported by school leadership, they can have a long-term positive impact on the quality of education.

Daniela Grecu, România

grecudaniela1 — 2025-07-13 15:23:12 UTC

In my opinion, the concept of school-based study groups for professional development is a good approach. This way, work is done more efficiently, tasks are solved better. If a group member did not understand something from the trainer/mentor, then they can turn to their group colleagues and clarify the problem they encountered.

Murgila Rita/ Romania

rita_brindau — 2025-07-22 16:29:13 UTC

In my opinion, school-based study groups for professional development are an excellent and highly beneficial approach to supporting teachers' growth. These groups foster collaboration, peer learning, and the exchange of practical experiences tailored to the specific needs of a school community. They create a safe and familiar environment where teachers feel comfortable sharing challenges and exploring solutions together. This often leads to stronger professional relationships, increased motivation, and a sense of shared responsibility for school improvement.

Such study groups can be particularly powerful because they promote continuous, context-based learning. Unlike one-off training sessions, study groups can adapt their focus over time, allowing teachers to dive deeper into topics, experiment with new strategies in their classrooms, and reflect on the outcomes in an ongoing cycle.

However, in my context, there are also some potential challenges to consider. One key issue is time — teachers are often overwhelmed with administrative tasks, and finding space in the school schedule for regular, meaningful meetings can be difficult. Another challenge is maintaining consistency and focus in the group, especially without a clear facilitator or shared objectives. Finally, in some cases, there might be a lack of a collaborative culture, which could limit open sharing and engagement.

Despite these challenges, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks — especially when school leadership actively supports the initiative and when teachers are given the autonomy to co-create the agenda. With the right conditions, school-based study groups can become a driving force for sustainable professional growth and innovation.

Angela Chiroșcă, Romania

angelachirosca — 2025-07-26 10:56:56 UTC

Benefits of school-based study groups:

Collaborative learning: Teachers learn with and from each other, exchanging real classroom experiences and strategies.
Contextual relevance: The content is tailored to the school's needs, not generic.
Trust-building: Frequent interaction strengthens professional relationships, boosting morale and teamwork.
Cost-effective: No need for external trainers or travel – accessible and sustainable.
Empowerment: Encourages teacher leadership, as staff take on roles as facilitators or resource sharers.
Continuity: Can support ongoing development, unlike one-off workshops.

Potential challenges:

Time constraints: Teachers often have little time beyond teaching duties. Finding a consistent meeting time can be difficult.
Varying motivation levels: Not all staff may be equally invested, especially if participation is perceived as top-down or obligatory.
Lack of facilitation skills: Without guidance, discussions may drift or become superficial.
Resistance to collaboration: In some school cultures, teachers may be reluctant to share openly or admit struggles in front of peers.
Sustainability: If not embedded into the school's culture or schedule, groups may fade after initial enthusiasm.

Considering your context (e.g. if you’re an eTwinning ambassador or teacher in a busy school):

You might face:

Rigid schedules or limited planning time.
Teachers with varying digital competencies (which can be a barrier or a learning opportunity).
A need to convince leadership of the long-term value.

But you can overcome this by:

Starting small, with voluntary groups or pilot cycles.
Linking the study group to practical goals (e.g., project-based learning, eTwinning integration).
Using blended formats – short in-person sessions + online collaboration (e.g., via Padlet, Google Docs, or Teams).

Final opinion:

Yes, school-based study groups can be very beneficial, especially when teacher-driven, well-structured, and supported by leadership. With clear goals, flexible structure, and a culture of trust, they can become one of the most effective forms of professional development.

Vasilica Gazdac-Romania

2025-07-29 07:37:51 UTC

Working groups in school are extremely important because they contribute greatly to efficient communication between teachers from different specialties and different levels of education, contribute to the creation of group performance and not individual performance, and contribute to the valorization and visibility of the school in the domestic and international environment.

It is a long-term process to achieve this collaboration and obtain results, it is a process of learning and internal and external adaptation on the part of the teachers, but the results obtained from this process are amazing.

Elena Mitrescu, Romania

emitrescu_69 — 2025-07-29 10:17:36 UTC

I believe school-based study groups for professional development can be highly beneficial for teachers. They promote collaboration, reflective practice, and the sharing of practical strategies tailored to the specific context of the school. These groups can foster a supportive learning community and enhance both individual and collective teaching practices. However, potential challenges include time constraints, varying levels of commitment, and the need for skilled facilitation to keep discussions focused and productive. In my context, balancing these groups with existing workloads might be difficult, but with proper planning, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks.

Corinne Pagnoz France

2025-08-02 15:53:21 UTC

I am fully convinced that these school_based learning communities are essential because they contribute to efficient collaboration and foster self-esteem . These skills are essential in professional environment and help students be future citizens.

Maria Claudia Tomescu/Romania

tomescumclaudia — 2025-08-31 05:22:31 UTC

I believe that school-based study groups for professional development can be very beneficial for teachers. They provide a space for collaboration, where colleagues can share experiences, resources, and innovative practices. This kind of teamwork helps teachers develop their skills, reflect on their teaching, and find support in addressing classroom challenges. Such groups also encourage a culture of continuous learning and strengthen the school community.

However, there can also be challenges. For example, lack of time in teachers’ schedules, differences in motivation or engagement, and sometimes limited resources may affect the effectiveness of these groups. Despite these obstacles, I think that with good organization and a clear purpose, school-based learning communities can be a powerful tool for professional growth.

Gabriela, SLOVENSKO

gabrielakrizovska — 2025-10-19 09:59:06 UTC

It is necessary for us as ambassadors to think out of the box and also know the news from other projects launched in the EU, such as STEM platforms and other supportive teacher associations.

Despina Partala, Greece

7exnipchan — 2025-10-29 17:39:55 UTC

I think school-based study groups are a great way for teachers to grow professionally. They let colleagues share ideas, reflect on their teaching, and solve real classroom challenges together. I really like the collaborative learning aspect—it makes professional development more engaging and practical. I also like that these groups encourage ongoing growth instead of one-off workshops.

The main challenges are finding time and keeping everyone actively involved. Still, with good organization and support from school leaders, study groups can be one of the most effective ways for teachers to learn and improve together.

Hadie Meholli Bajraktari- Vushtrri ,Kosovo

mehollibajraktarihadie — 2025-11-02 18:25:10 UTC

I think school-based learning groups for teachers are one of the most effective ways to promote professional growth and collaboration. When teachers come together regularly to share ideas, discuss challenges, and reflect on their practice, they not only improve their own teaching but also enhance the overall quality of education in the school. These groups create a supportive environment where teachers can learn from one another’s experiences, explore innovative strategies, and stay updated with new educational trends. In addition, they strengthen teamwork and communication among staff, helping to build a positive school culture focused on continuous improvement and student success.

Korina Dritseli, Greece

classicsetw2022 — 2025-11-08 11:40:16 UTC

When teachers collaborate in a structured and flexible environment, they naturally share expertise, exchange classroom experiences, and co-create solutions tailored to their school’s real needs.

These interactions build a strong professional culture where continuous learning becomes part of everyday school life, leading to more innovative teaching and improved outcomes for students.

Zuzana, SK

formelovazsfatranskanr — 2025-12-13 16:29:48 UTC

In the context of Slovak schools, where traditional teaching methods are often emphasized, I see study groups as an innovative impulse. I perceive them as an opportunity to support the use of technology, creative methods, and the connection between theory and practice. As a new eTwinning ambassador and a teacher of Mathematics and Informatics at the lower secondary level of primary school, I will strive to use these groups to integrate digital tools into pedagogical practice.

Mik Mihaela Evelina, Romania

mikmihaela72 — 2025-12-28 18:08:14 UTC

I believe that school-based study groups for professional development are a highly effective approach to teacher learning. They encourage collaboration, reflection, and the exchange of practical ideas grounded in real classroom experience. Such groups provide a supportive environment where teachers can discuss challenges, share best practices, and learn from one another.

Bădău Georgeta, România

gbadau — 2026-01-10 17:26:52 UTC

Building learning communities at school level through teachers’ study groups represents an effective strategy for professional development, even in theoretical high schools with very good student academic results.

For teachers who are less interested in projects such as eTwinning, study groups can represent a more accessible and less demanding alternative. They do not require international exposure, intensive use of technology, or complex administrative tasks, as they are centered on personal experience and the specific needs of the school. In this respect, they can serve as an intermediate step that may later facilitate openness toward broader collaborative projects.

Najwa Rishmawi, Palestine.

rishmawing — 2026-03-02 16:57:24 UTC

As an eTwinning Ambassador, I strongly support the idea of school-based study groups for professional development. I believe these groups are incredibly beneficial for teachers because they provide a space to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support each other in applying new skills. They also encourage collaboration and teamwork, and help link online professional development directly to our school context, making it more practical and meaningful.

Of course, there can be challenges, such as differences in digital skills or finding time to meet regularly, but I have seen that with mutual support and commitment, these groups can thrive and even grow into broader school learning communities.

I encourage all teachers to try this approach — it’s a wonderful way to learn together, innovate, and make professional development a shared experience rather than something we do alone.

shereen Salahat , palestine

shrynslahat118 — 2026-03-14 17:03:45 UTC

I believe that school-based study groups are an excellent approach for teacher professional development. They provide a supportive and motivating environment where teachers can share experiences, solve problems together, and make online professional development more effective. These groups encourage collaboration, peer learning, and confidence building among teachers.

Eva García, Spain

2026-03-15 19:45:28 UTC

School-based study groups can be a very valuable form of professional development, especially in the context of eTwinning. They allow teachers to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from each other while working on real classroom projects. Through these groups, teachers can exchange ideas, explore new digital tools, and develop innovative teaching practices that benefit both teachers and students. They also help create a supportive professional community within the school.

However, there can be some challenges. Teachers often have limited time, and it may be difficult to maintain regular meetings and active participation. In addition, some teachers may initially feel uncertain about using new technologies or participating in international projects. Despite these challenges, with good organization and support from school leadership, school-based study groups can be an effective way to promote collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional development through eTwinning.

Esther Rodríguez, Spain

erodr9 — 2026-03-18 01:17:25 UTC

School based study groups are a good way to improve and learn together. They are good for professional development because it helps teachers grow by learning, sharing ideas and supporting each other.

Pros:

Teachers share useful ideas
Learn together in a practical way
Feel supported as a team
Improve their teaching

Cons:

Takes time (and teachers are sometimes overwhelmed or with lack of time)
Sometimes not everyone participates
Organization or guidance of the group is not always approppriate or with enough experience)

Conidering my context I can say that I really appreciate to work with that approach, but I see in this moment, because of the lack of time, it's really difficult to stay committed. If the topic or issue is really challenging I think you can feel involved and feel this community as a real support and a true help. As eTwinning ambassadors we love helping others, I think in a good school based learning community you can find all kind of roles, sharing your sttrenghts and learning form others, and you can build knowledge and inspire others too. Collaboration is the key of it success.

Joana Aina, Spain

2026-03-18 15:25:06 UTC

I thikh that school based study groups are very useful and valuable for the teacher's professional career. In these groups they can enrich of each other and the fact of being all in the same professional branch at different levels, make all of them expert in some points, so they can easily learn from each others at the time they grow up professionally. All of these will have a good repercusion in the educational community to which they belong.

Lourdes Tello, Spain

2026-04-26 15:21:50 UTC

For me, the best thing about School based study groups is that they allow teachers to exchange strategies and compare their different approaches to the same learning objectives. In this sense, teachers can try small experiments in class and bring the results back to the group. Teachers collaborate and help each other in many ways.

Amongst the benefits of these groups, I would like to highlight: better problem-solving; professional growth; increase of motivation and better students’ outcomes due to improved teaching quality.

Hower, it is not easy for a school to have these groups going on, basically due to the lack of time we all have. Some of the drawbacks the group can encounter are: time pressure due to the added workload; possibility of uneven participation or personality clashes, and the risk of becoming a theory only group without practical classroom application.