Let’s make SENse of school – how to identify and help students with SEN – Special Educational Needs Erasmus Project

Project Title

Let’s make SENse of school – how to identify and help students with SEN – Special Educational Needs

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; Pedagogy and didactics; Disabilities – special needs

Project Summary

This project was created from the need of schools from six different countries to give their partners the ability to improve the competencies of teachers working with students with special educational needs aged 10-14 in the School and Pre-school Complex in Szemud and in partner schools. The project lasted for almost three years (34months).

In the context of the cooperation of schools from six different countries, all partners tried to envision and create a school that everyone fits in, without exclusions, with an acceptance of diversity. This Erasmus project demonstrated the importance of educating students through innovative programs and the need for their contact with informal learning environments. Interaction with stakeholders of the wider educational community enabled the solution of common problems plaguing young people internationally. Thus, students with humanitarian values ​​and critical thinking aim to become responsible citizens who respect diversity and are able to meet the challenges and difficulties of life.

One of the main aims of the project is to increase the competence of teachers through the exchange of experiences, methods and ways of working with students about SEN. In addition, the project stimulated all the partners to make use of the ICT tools of communication and teaching, so as to improve their competence in this area.

The project was dedicated for the students with fewer opportunities. This was the chance for students and teachers with SEN. The project theme “SEN ” has brought together schools from Romania, Sweden, Turkey, Lithuania, Greece and Poland. We have organised six training events for teachers (as short –term mobilities). The subject of the workshops were:
-How to boost the self-esteem of a SEN student? ;
-Modern methods in education – iPad as facility for SEN students with seminar about dyslexia; -Effective work with gifted students – Training on Integration of Intelligent Games to the Classrooms;
– Facilitators of a student-centered e-learning process;
-Applying Emotional Intelligence and Empathy in class to improve SEN students’ social skills and learning
-The identification and management of emotional expression of students with SEN during different activities.

Advantages for students – they have found out : How to live with dysfunctions and have no problems? by taking part in workshops. There was a local event in every partner school. The subject matter has concerned: establishing weak and strong points (SWOT analysis), defining your learning style, study planning, prioritising school material, verifying a learning progress, the opportunity to receive support at school, your rights at school, learning aids, free apps, computer programs facilitating learning and memorising material, etc. Thanks to workshops they now know how to cope with their dysfunctions and obtain better results.

The project has benefited the staff of each school and the community. School staff has become acquainted with new teaching methods, tools, pedagogical approaches to learn and apply, while the community will arise opportunities for the fight against diversity and the promotion of the social inclusion and integration of SEN population. We have got inspired by working with educators and trainers from other countries and added an international dimension to our organization. And all our colleagues benefited as well.

The final products have assured the quality of the project, such as google surveys, a calendar with photos connected with our project activities, and brochures about the project. The most important product for us is an e-book with scenarios of didactic classes for pupils with SEN aged 10-14 using ICT and innovative methods to activate selected subjects in native languages of schools participating in the project and in English. The lesson plans and elements of the project will be used during didactic classes on particular subjects in future.

Project Website

https://padlet.com/erasmus_plus/k6q6r8dl5o0t

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 128866,5 Eur

Project Coordinator

Zespol Szkolno-Przedszkolny w Szemudzie & Country: PL

Project Partners

• Liceul Auto “Traian Vuia”
• Special Education Vocational Junior-Senior High School of Trikala
• Ölyckeskolan
• Kazlu Rudos Saules mokykla
• OZEL TEVFIK KUSOGLU ORTAOKULU