Introduction to the UPgrade framework

This FRAMEWORK is for teachers participating in the Upgrade project, but also for teachers and school-leaders in general. It aims to provide a practical methodological framework For assessment and cooperative learning among learners.

European education has changed tremendously over the last decades, and schools are more student-focused, seeking to develop skills and attitudes for the 21st century, such as creativity, critical thinking, language skills and digital competencies. Learning methods such as cooperative learning, interdisciplinary learning and enquiry-based learning play a central role. Cooperative learning is characterized by positive interdependence, where learners understand that learning, engagement, and performance are raised by working in groups rather than competing as individuals. It can be formal or informal, adapted infinitely, and it enhances inclusiveness, integrating learners who face specific challenges e.g. linguistic or socio-economic disadvantages.

The following factors are in this project set as crucial for success:

• Collaboration among teachers and schools and their sharing of experiences.

• Education must be inquiry-based.

• Problem-based learning is essential.

• The activities must have goal orientation with clearly defined content and skills.

• A shared understanding of that learners’ motivation will increase as they become involved in decision-making and in making real-world connections, and that this is brought to life.

• The project aims to provide strategies to enhance the formative learning process through feedback.

• E-portfolios will be used to encourage participation and motivation.

• The project will apply cross-curricular learning, combining STEAM (Radziwill, Benton, & Moellers, 2015) with languages, for better understanding and motivation.