ITALIA - ITALY

Our Job Shadowing experience in Italy has officially begun! Guided by Ms. Gallo, we have immersed ourselves in the daily life of this comprehensive institute, which serves over 1,300 students and employs around 150 teachers. The academic day was packed with insights, starting with a focus on civic values in Mr. Laragione’s Citizenship class, followed by a deep dive into STEM methodologies. We observed a dynamic Physics session in the laboratory with Ms. Ferrara, where the technical staff demonstrated engaging experiments on Uniform Rectilinear Motion and energy conversion, highlighting the effectiveness of practical, hands-on learning in the classroom.

Institutional relations were also a key part of the day, as we were warmly welcomed by Ms. Tarantino, the Headmistress, gaining perspective on the management of such a large educational community. To round off a productive start, Ms. Gallo introduced us to the cultural heritage of Policoro and its surroundings.

Our second day was a deep dive into innovative teaching methodologies and facility management. We started in the IT laboratory, observing a CAD design session where peer-to-peer learning took center stage; seeing students support one another while navigating complex software was truly inspiring. We also exchanged best practices on infrastructure with the IT technician, who demonstrated a clever cable management solution that enhances both classroom aesthetics and student safety. The morning session also touched upon career guidance, highlighting the school's commitment to supporting students in their future academic choices.

Later, we witnessed an example of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in a Biology class with Ms. DiTuro. The teacher bridged the gap using Spanish and the students presented their research findings in English. This approach not only reinforced scientific knowledge but also boosted their communication skills. To wrap up the day, we explored the rich cultural heritage of the Puglia region, visiting the iconic trulli of Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Taranto, adding a necessary historical perspective to our mobility.

Today’s schedule highlighted the diversity of teaching methodologies within the Italian system. We observed a contrast between foundational theory and hands-on application: moving from a masterclass on Object-Oriented Programming and C++ logic to a Technology workshop driven by Project-Based Learning (PBL). It was impressive to see mixed groups collaborating on Arduino and App Inventor prototypes, using tools like Tinkercad and Canva to bring their ideas to life. We also participated in an interactive English session, where digital resources facilitated a lively Q&A, turning a standard lesson into a moment of intercultural exchange.

A key takeaway for us was the presence of specialized technical assistants in every laboratory, which allows for seamless management of complex spaces like the Communication Lab—equipped with green screens and podcasting stations. We also toured the multi-purpose sports hall, a versatile hub that goes beyond athletics to include spaces for socialization and individual mentoring. Seeing how the school integrates advanced facilities with personalized student support provided us with valuable benchmarks to take back home.

Today’s focus shifted from technical skills to the very heart of the European educational mission: inclusion and active citizenship. We started with a deep dive into the Italian evaluation system and support for special needs, followed by impressive student-led sessions. In the Design and German classes, students used digital storytelling and interactive museums to tackle critical social issues like bullying and gender violence. Their debates—even touching upon the ethical challenges of Artificial Intelligence—proved that schools are vital spaces for fostering social awareness. We also toured the Innovation Lab with portable STEM kits designed to stimulate both scientific inquiry and debate.

In the afternoon, we expanded our view of the institution by visiting the Nova Siri campus, home to the Classical and Artistic Lyceum. Recently renovated and integrated into the ISS Fermi network, this center offers a more intimate, creative atmosphere. We had the privilege of joining a sculpture workshop, witnessing the immense talent of a predominantly female student body. This visit highlighted the diversity of educational pathways within the same institution, perfectly illustrating how technical precision and artistic creativity can coexist under one roof.

Our final day perfectly encapsulated two core pillars of the European project: inclusive education and intercultural dialogue. We attended IT sessions where technical content—ranging from risk prevention to binary operations—was seamlessly integrated with soft skills assessment. A standout moment was witnessing the dedicated support provided to a student with special needs by a specialized teacher (PT), demonstrating a model of inclusion that ensures no student is left behind. The classroom dynamic then shifted to a 'student-as-teacher' role-play, where a student led the review session.

We concluded this enriching Job Shadowing by bidding a fond farewell to the Headmistress and our exceptional guide, Ms. Gallo. This final meeting was not just a formality, but a moment to reflect on a week full of professional growth, shared best practices, and the warm hospitality of our Italian partners. We leave with our suitcases full of new ideas ready to be implemented in our own classrooms. Grazie mille!