The VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna stands out as a fundamental milestone for secondary school teachers and educators from across Europe. Certainly, democratic citizenship education is facing unprecedented challenges in today’s classrooms. To address these evolving needs, from September 29 to October 1, 2026, the Austrian capital will host this intensive program dedicated to integrating European values through digital game-based learning.
The event, hosted by the Vienna Forum for Democracy and Human Rights alongside Zentrum polis, will take place at the innovative Game Lab of the University of Vienna. To learn more about our past international training initiatives, feel free to visit the Polygonal news section.
Project Objectives of the VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna
First of all, the project aims to challenge conventional teaching methods when introducing complex or controversial topics in schools. In fact, during the VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna, participants will have the unique opportunity to:
- Explore democratic values and their practical relevance for secondary education across Europe.
- Test the official VAL-YOU serious game, closely evaluating its pedagogical potential for modern students.
- Review and provide structured feedback on lesson plan prototypes that will shape the final Toolkit.
Moreover, this cross-border exchange within the VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna will strengthen long-term cooperation and networking among teachers and educational multipliers.
Curriculum Overview of the VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna
The curriculum is split into three thematic days, carefully balancing theoretical insights, hands-on workshops, and field experiences.
1. European Values & Roleplay
The training kicks off with orientation sessions focused on Education for Democratic Citizenship. In the afternoon, educators will experience a European Parliament roleplay activity at the Europa Experience Vienna.
2. Digital Game Implementation
The second day shifts entirely toward digital game-based learning. Guided by online insights from the game developers, teachers will test the serious game and evaluate the first batch of lesson plan prototypes.
3. Feedback and Toolkit Evaluation
The final day focuses on structured evaluation and establishing the next steps for the official repository release. You can check the guidelines and fill out the form directly on the Zentrum polis website.
Travel & Logistics for the VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna
Surely, planning your journey well in advance is key to a smooth experience. The hosts remind all participants that registration forms for the VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna must be submitted by September 1, 2026.
However, keeping an eye on local public transport updates is crucial. Due to modernization works, parts of Vienna’s inner-city S-Bahn line will be closed during the training period. Participants are highly encouraged to take the ÖBB Railjet trains from the airport to the Central Station.
Therefore, if you are a secondary school teacher looking to innovate your daily practice, the VAL-YOU Teacher Training Vienna is the perfect opportunity to connect with the future of European education.