The high-level education conference “Contemporary Approaches to Learning and Teaching” starts today in Tallinn where nearly 200 European education experts discuss the alignment of education systems with the needs of our evolving society.
The education conference held at the Tallinn University on 19-20 September brings together education experts, researchers, officials, and representatives of learners, teachers and employers across Europe. The conference seeks to find a way to ensure that besides gaining solid knowledge and basic skills learners of all ages are satisfied with their educational experience and ready to take responsibility for their own lives and the world around them.
The conference will be opened by the Minister of Education and Research Mailis Reps who noted that education systems should constantly adapt to the rapidly changing world. “Estonia has many good experiences of contemporary learning and teaching to share with other countries. We are excited that the EU Presidency gives us a chance to spread the success-stories of our education and a good opportunity to learn from others as well,” said Minister Reps.
In the morning, participants will visit the Tallinn Asunduse Kindergarten, Kadriorg German Gymnasium, Audentes School, Tallinn Polytechnic School and Centre for Innovation in Education in Tallinn University. They will talk with the school staff about how schools involve stakeholders in shaping the school environment to best support the development and learning of each student.
In the afternoon, speeches will be made by Professor of Educational Psychology P. Robert-Jan Simons from the Utrecht University, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Michael S. C. Thomas from the University of London, and Professor of School Psychology Eve Kikas from the Tallinn University. In addition, there will be discussions on learning environments that support lifelong learning, the involvement of external stakeholders, and teaching the new generation of learners.
Tomorrow, the conference will continue with a discussion on the role and responsibility of various stakeholders of the education system in bringing about the desired changes. The panel discussion involves representatives from pan-European associations of students, teachers, heads of school, employers and trade unions.
The conference organized by the Ministry of Education and Research is one of the main events of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the field of education.
Watch live broadcast here.
Read more about the conference here.
Further information on the Estonian presidency’s priorities and events in the field of education is available here.
Journalists wishing to cover the conference are kindly asked to pre-register to the event: (+372) 5340 0736, [email protected].