How can comparing different cultures improve support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? Certainly, international mobility represented the first fundamental step for the growth of educators and professionals in the field. For this reason, we are excited to share the details of the Bridges project training exchange that featured the city of Olot, Spain, as its protagonist.
First of all, this learning, teaching, and training (LTT) event was organized by the coordinating entity, Escola Pia Olot. The initiative brought together teachers, librarians, and volunteers from Italy, Spain, and Romania to kick-start the project’s operational phase. To stay updated on our European travels, visit the Polygonal News section.
A seminar for the construction of the inclusive framework
During the exchange in Olot, participants did not limit themselves to a theoretical discussion but actively worked on the foundations of Work Package 2. In fact, the main objective was the seminar dedicated to building the “Bridges Inclusive Learning Framework,” the model that will guide the entire project.
For example, the activities focused on:
- Defining the model: establishing common criteria for the inclusive learning framework between schools and libraries.
- Screening development: laying the methodological foundations for the future tool for early identification of educational needs.
- Pedagogical alignment: analyzing how to integrate different national practices into a single, coherent support system.
However, this was not a testing phase but a strategic co-design session. In addition, the mobility allowed for defining the technical requirements for future training courses and multilingual resources. You can find information on the benefits of European mobility on the Erasmus+ portal.
The impact of mobility on the local area
In short, the experience in Olot was fundamental for bringing new perspectives and international visions back to our local communities. Currently, intercultural dialogue is the most powerful tool to prepare for the challenges of an increasingly diverse classroom.
Certainly, the trip to Olot marked the official start of building the Bridges model. For this reason, the results of this seminar will allow all staff to work in synergy to transform the theoretical framework into concrete actions for our children.