Innovative TEFE and TEFE A+ projects transform English teaching for a sustainable future
"Education breeds self-confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace." This quote by Confucius captures the importance of education in building a just and peaceful society. The Department of English Studies at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Ljubljana is working with this idea in the framework of the TEFE and TEFE A+ projects, which focus on innovative approaches in the education of future teachers of English, and in particular on the introduction of International Teaching Practice (ITP) as a standard part of the preparation of future teachers.
The project Teachers of English for Future Europe (TEFE): EU mobility and employability through the Internationalisation of Teaching Practice (ID 2020-1-CZ01-KA203-078201), implemented in collaboration with Aston University in Birmingham (UK), Comenius University in Bratislava (SK), Jagellonian University in Krakow (PL), Public University of Navarra in Pamplona (SP) and University of Passau (GE), was successfully completed in 2023. One of its key outputs is the TEFE Competence Framework, which serves as a tool for self-assessment, reflection and development of professional competences of English language teaching students. The framework was developed through the collaboration of international teams of students, teachers and mentors who focused on the culturally specific nature of teaching and the exchange of experiences.
The outputs of the TEFE project are now being followed up by the TEFE A+ Teachers of English for Future Europe - Putting the Internationalisation of Teaching Practice into Action project (2023-1-CZ01-KA220-HED-000161134), funded by the Erasmus+ Cooperative Partnerships Programme. This new Erasmus+ International Teaching Practice project focuses, in addition to building professional teaching skills, on the development of intercultural and global citizenship competences of future teachers. Through these competences, the ÚAN guides teacher students to understand the role of the teacher in a democratic society. It encourages them to become bearers of democratic values, to be able to work in the multicultural environment of their schools, to cultivate international professional relationships with colleagues from abroad and to foster an international professional community. In working with pupils, they are then taught to transmit these values and to be aware of the importance of mutual understanding when communicating with other cultures, despite language barriers.
In the context of sustainable development, the TEFE and TEFE A+ projects aim in particular to:
Quality education
The purpose of the TEFE initiative is to contribute to the provision of quality education by integrating practical experience from abroad into teacher training. In this way, students can develop not only theoretical knowledge about educational models in different European countries, but also practical skills in real-life settings in foreign schools. This approach enables them to better understand the needs of students in different cultural contexts, which increases their effectiveness as future teachers.
Decent work and economic growth
International teaching placements through the TEFE and TEFE A+ projects prepare students for careers in the education sector, which emphasises flexibility, cultural sensitivity and the ability to work in diverse environments and with diverse groups of learners. This increases their competitiveness in the labour market and the potential of graduates of the Faculty of Arts of JU to contribute to economic growth.
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Teachers who understand global challenges and cultural differences play a key role in building more just and stable societies. The TEFE and TEFE A+ projects support the education of such educators who contribute to creating peaceful communities and strengthening democratic values in schools and society.
Partnerships to achieve the objectives
International cooperation between universities in the TEFE and TEFE A+ projects enriches the educational experience of students and academics and promotes the exchange of best practices. These partnerships are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as they promote global dialogue, address more complex issues and spread innovative approaches in education.
The TEFE and TEFE A+ projects clearly show that education is a key tool for building self-confidence, perspectives and a sustainable future. This approach also resonates with the Confucius idea of hope for balance and the pursuit of peace. The TEFE project team cordially invites students, mentors and others to join the project activities and contribute to the development of sustainable education. Further information and project deliverables are available on the TEFE project website.
