Elementary school and high school students are becoming disinterested, which the situation being worsened by the Covid-19 epidemic. Students are not motivated to learn for life. They rather focus on collecting points for enrolling in the desired high school/college. Although the education level is growing among Slovenians, it is decreasing compared to other EU Member States. Slovenians are below the OECD average in terms of textual and mathematical skills and in solving tasks in digital environments. Rapidly advancing technologies, rapidly changing society and the labour market call for completely different skills and competencies today compared to those required ten years ago, Thus, students need to learn for life and develop competencies for the 21st century. Through the development of new teaching methods and tools, the project equips young people during the process of formal education with skills and knowledge for the 21st century, which are necessary for independent life and work, and empowers and motivates teachers to use innovative teaching methods. Main project results are analyses of the situation and needs in primary and secondary schools, good practices of non-formal education performed; transfer of good practice, introduction of outdoor teaching and the establishment of two outdoor classrooms, as well as development and implementation of a new method in two schools; trained professional staff for using new methods and tools; developed didactic aid for teachers in the implementation of outdoor learning and outdoor classroom use.
Summary of bilateral results
Having a Donor Project Partner from Norway significantly benefited the SCHOOL21 project by providing access to their well-established outdoor learning practices (UTESKOLE). The Møre & Romsdal County Municipality brought valuable expertise and practical experience, which was crucial in adapting and implementing these innovative teaching methods within the Slovenian context. This collaboration ensured that the project could introduce proven strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and create a more effective and impactful educational model. The bilateral partnership was essential for transferring knowledge and ensuring the project’s success.
On a bilateral level, the collaboration with the Norwegian project partner led to several key outcomes, such as shared knowledge and best practices, improved understanding (the partnership deepened the understanding of how outdoor learning can be integrated into different educational systems, benefiting both Slovenian and Norwegian educators) and wider effects (the collaboration fostered stronger ties between the two countries and created opportunities for future projects, promoting ongoing educational innovation and cross-border cooperation). There are plans to continue the bilateral collaboration beyond the SCHOOL21 project. Both parties are interested in exploring further opportunities for joint projects, especially in areas related to educational innovation and the development of 21st-century skills. The ongoing relationship is expected to facilitate continued exchange of knowledge and best practices, ensuring sustained impact and the possibility of expanding collaborative efforts to other educational initiatives.
Project details
Project info
Project grant
Grant financing
580744.26€
Final project cost
576664.16€