ERASMUS+ Course
Course Overview
This course supports educators in developing key competences that help learners think creatively, critically, collaboratively, and reflectively. It focuses on how to build meaningful learning environments where students are encouraged to express ideas, question assumptions, and connect learning to real-life contexts.
By combining the 4Cs — Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration — with metacognitive and reflective practices, participants will explore how to design learning experiences that are inclusive, engaging, and adaptable to different classroom settings. The course emphasizes practical application, professional exchange, and the development of reflective teaching habits that promote deeper understanding and motivation among learners.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” — Plutarch
Learning Outcomes
After the course, participants will be able to:
- •Apply the 4Cs and reflective practices in lesson and curriculum design.
- •Encourage learner curiosity, autonomy, and motivation across subjects.
- •Use creative and critical thinking strategies to design meaningful classroom experiences.
- •Strengthen communication and collaboration skills to support inclusion and teamwork.
- •Integrate metacognitive and reflective routines to develop self-awareness and learning responsibility.
- •Design and present a 4Cs-based project that promotes creative and reflective learning.
Teaching & Learning Methods
All our methods are designed to be highly interactive and hands-on, ensuring a practical and engaging learning experience.
- •Interactive and Experiential: Practical tasks, group work, and reflective discussions form the basis of the learning process.
- •Collaborative and Inclusive: Participants learn from and with each other, sharing experiences and classroom strategies.
- •Reflective and Transformative: Continuous reflection connects theory with practice and encourages professional growth.
- •Digital and Creative: Simple digital tools are integrated to enhance collaboration and creative expression.
EU Competence Frameworks
This course aligns with key EU competence frameworks:
- •LifeComp: Supports self-regulation, resilience, empathy, and collaboration as lifelong competences.
- •DigCompEdu: Encourages effective integration of digital tools for creative and reflective teaching.
- •EntreComp (adapted): Promotes initiative and problem-solving in educational contexts.
- •Key Competences for Lifelong Learning: Strengthens learning-to-learn and social competences.
Erasmus+ Priorities
This course equips participants with skills that respond directly to key Erasmus+ priorities:
- •Inclusion and Diversity: Builds inclusive, empathetic learning environments.
- •Digital Transformation: Encourages the thoughtful use of digital tools to enhance creativity and reflection.
- •Improving Teaching Quality: Promotes reflective practice, innovative thinking, and professional collaboration.
- •Active Citizenship: Encourages intercultural understanding and shared responsibility.
COURSE MODULES & SCHEDULE
Day 1 – The Reflective Foundations
Module 1: The 4Cs Framework
Understanding creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration as essential competences for lifelong learning.
Module 2: The Curious Educator
Cultivating curiosity and wonder as foundations for creative teaching and learning. Participants explore questioning strategies and the role of curiosity in motivating both teachers and learners.
Orientation Walk with a Local Guide (optional, complimentary)
A short post-class city walk for orientation and networking.
Voluntary, no fee, separate from the course, and not counted in Erasmus+ hours or outcomes.
Day 2 – Creativity and Innovation in Education
Module 3: Creative Confidence
Strengthening imagination and open-mindedness through structured creative thinking strategies.
Module 4: Design Thinking and Innovation
Applying design thinking principles to classroom and community projects.
Module 5: Artful Expression
Using art, drama, and storytelling to enrich communication and engagement.
Day 3 – Critical and Reflective Thinking
Module 6: Effective Questioning and Exploration
Encouraging curiosity and inquiry as foundations for meaningful learning.
Module 7: Critical Thinking for Innovators
Developing reasoning and analytical skills through problem-solving and reflection.
Module 8: Metacognition in Practice
Supporting learners in planning, monitoring, and evaluating their own learning process.
Day 4 – Communication and Connection
Module 9: Communicating with Impact
Fostering empathy, clarity, and confidence in classroom communication.
Module 10: Digital Voices
Exploring digital tools that empower creative expression and collaboration.
Module 11: Storytelling and Expression
Building understanding and intercultural awareness through narrative approaches.
Day 5 – Collaboration and Integration
Module 12: Collaborative Mindsets
Promoting teamwork and shared creativity among learners and educators.
Module 13: The 4Cs Design Lab
Integrating creativity, reflection, and collaboration into a unified classroom project.
Module 14: Course Reflection and Showcase – Sharing insights, presenting outcomes, and identifying next steps for continued professional development.
Final Reflection
Action Plan • Certificates & Farewell