U školi smo uredili Erasmus kutak s ciljem diseminacije projektnih aktivnosti i povećanja vidljivosti programa Erasmus+. Kutak služi kao informativni prostor u kojem se predstavljaju mobilnosti učitelja i učenika, stečena znanja, primjeri dobre prakse te kulturna iskustva partnerskih zemalja. Na taj se način učenicima, učiteljima i posjetiteljima omogućuje bolji uvid u vrijednosti Erasmus+ projekata, potiče se interes za međunarodnu suradnju te se jača europska dimenzija škole. 

This is the school’s second Erasmus+ KA122 project, following the success of the first short-term mobility initiative, which focused on professional development, bullying prevention and inclusion. With From Words to the World, the team takes a bold step forward, expanding the scope to include student mobilities, integration of AI and digital tools, and cross-curricular learning experiences inspired by the CLIL and PBL methodologies.

Project Vision and Objectives

The project’s overarching goal is to enhance the quality of foreign language teaching and learning by combining Task-Based Learning (TBL), Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). These approaches enable students to use language as a medium for authentic inquiry, communication, and collaboration, while teachers act as facilitators who design learning experiences that mirror real-world contexts.

Specifically, From Words to the World seeks to:
- Strengthen teachers’ competences in innovative and experiential language teaching through PBL and CLIL.
- Integrate digital tools and artificial intelligence responsibly into the language classroom to support differentiation, creativity, and autonomy.
- Foster intercultural understanding and European identity through collaboration with partner schools.
- Connect formal and informal learning environments, including museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions.
- Create a collection of ready-to-use teaching materials to share with the wider community of language educators.

These objectives stem from a clear pedagogical vision: to move language learning beyond textbooks and exams, turning it into a living experience that connects words with the world around us.

Teacher Mobilities: Learning to Teach Differently

Teacher mobility lies at the heart of the project. Educators from OŠ braće Radića Kloštar Ivanić will participate in structured training courses across Europe, focusing on practical applications of PBL and CLIL in multilingual classrooms. The selected courses explore how to merge language and content learning through project work, collaboration, and creative use of technology.

Participants will also gain hands-on experience with AI-based and digital learning tools, exploring how these technologies can enhance engagement, provide personalized feedback, and support inclusive education. Training modules on digital literacy, gamification, and online collaboration will further empower teachers to design flexible and motivating learning environments.

Another essential component of teacher mobilities is learning in authentic contexts — discovering how museums, galleries, and historical sites can become meaningful extensions of the classroom. By combining culture, language, and content, teachers will learn to create immersive lessons that spark curiosity and connect linguistic skills with real-world discovery.

Upon their return, teachers will share their experiences through internal workshops, professional learning communities, and presentations at national and regional conferences. The ultimate product of this process will be a digital collection of teaching resources — lesson plans, project ideas, and classroom materials — freely available to other educators. This open-access collection will ensure the sustainability of the project and amplify its impact beyond the local context.

Student Mobilities: Learning through Authentic Interaction

One of the most exciting innovations in From Words to the World is the inclusion of student mobilities, offering learners the opportunity to experience language learning in authentic settings.

During their stay in a partner schools located in Budapest, students will attend regular classes alongside their peers, observing different learning environments and actively participating in lessons. This first-hand experience will allow them to see how students in other European countries learn, communicate, and collaborate, while using English and other target languages as tools for real interaction.

In mixed international teams, students will engage in PBL and CLIL activities, exploring topics linked to culture, heritage, and sustainable development. Supported by digital tools and AI-assisted applications, they will co-create digital stories, videos, and presentations that showcase their findings.

Learning will also take place beyond the classroom. Visits to museums, cultural landmarks, and historical sites will give students the chance to explore local culture and history while applying language skills in meaningful contexts.

The result will be not only improved language proficiency but also enhanced intercultural awareness, teamwork, and self-confidence — skills that are central to lifelong learning and global citizenship.

Integration with eTwinning Projects

The Erasmus+ mobilities are closely intertwined with two ongoing eTwinning projects run by the teachers from OŠ braće Radića Kloštar Ivanić:

“Discovering European Culture Boxes” encourages students to exchange cultural “boxes” containing artefacts, stories, and digital materials that represent their local heritage. This project helps learners see the richness of Europe’s cultural diversity while practicing descriptive and narrative language skills.

“Exploring Roman Europe” connects schools interested in ancient history and cultural heritage through virtual explorations of Roman sites across the continent. Students research, document, and present how Roman influence shaped their local environment, using English as a common language for communication and presentation.

These eTwinning projects serve as both preparatory and complementary activities to Erasmus+ mobilities. They allow students and teachers to build relationships, develop digital collaboration skills, and engage in intercultural dialogue even before meeting in person. This continuity between virtual and physical mobility exemplifies the Erasmus+ principle of blended learning and multiplies the project’s impact.

Alignment with EU Priorities

The project From Words to the World aligns closely with the strategic priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Education Area:

1. Digital Transformation and Innovation
By integrating digital tools and artificial intelligence into language teaching, the project directly supports the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan. Teachers will learn how to apply AI responsibly and creatively, while students develop digital literacy, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for the 21st century.

2. Inclusion and Diversity
TBL, PBL and CLIL naturally foster inclusive classrooms where students of different abilities and backgrounds can contribute meaningfully. Collaboration, peer learning, and flexible project work encourage participation and engagement from all learners.

3. Sustainability and Green Competences
Learning in museums, local communities, and historical sites helps students connect language with environmental and cultural sustainability. The project also encourages digital collaboration to reduce environmental impact while promoting awareness of Europe’s cultural and natural heritage.

4. Participation in Democratic Life and European Citizenship
Through both physical and virtual exchanges, students and teachers experience the values of cooperation, respect, and solidarity that form the foundation of European identity. The project nurtures active, informed, and empathetic citizens who appreciate diversity as a strength.

Dissemination and Sustainability

Dissemination is central to the philosophy of From Words to the World. The Erasmus+ team is committed to sharing results widely and ensuring that the project’s benefits extend beyond the immediate participants.

Planned dissemination activities include:
- A dedicated project website and social media campaign featuring updates, photos, and digital teaching materials.
- Presentations at national and regional professional development events, including HUPE conferences, where teachers will share insights and outcomes.
- Workshops for local teachers focusing on digital tools, AI applications, and PBL/CLIL integration.
- Articles and reports for educational publications to spread good practice among language professionals.
- eTwinning dissemination, enabling collaboration with European peers and ensuring the project’s visibility in the broader Erasmus+ community.

Sustainability will be achieved through the integration of new skills and resources into the school’s European Development Plan, ensuring that international cooperation remains a continuous process rather than a one-time event. The open-access digital collection of materials will remain available to the wider educational community even after the project’s completion.

Impact and Legacy

The expected impact of From Words to the World is multifaceted. For teachers, it brings enhanced competences in innovative pedagogies, digital literacy, and intercultural education. For students, it offers transformative experiences of learning and living in multilingual environments.

The school itself will benefit from strengthened international partnerships and an enriched professional culture rooted in collaboration, reflection, and openness to new ideas. By combining Erasmus+ and eTwinning activities, OŠ braće Radića Kloštar Ivanić positions itself as a model of how small schools located in semi-rural environments can have a large European impact through creativity, commitment, and strategic planning.

Conclusion

As From Words to the World unfolds, its title becomes a guiding metaphor: language learning as a bridge between classrooms and cultures, between knowledge and experience. Through innovative teaching, digital exploration, and intercultural dialogue, the project empowers both teachers and students to turn words into action — and the classroom into a window on the world.

Ksenija Kahlina, prof.

Erasmus+ coordinator
OŠ braće Radića Kloštar Ivanić