96 Erasmus+ projects receive the European Innovative Teaching Award

The awarded projects showcase the diverse ways in which education can be modernised to meet the challenges of the future. The thematic focus of this year’s EITA is Wellbeing at school which highlights the value of a comprehensive strategy to support pupils’ and teachers’ physical and emotional health, to develop social and emotional competencies, and to create supportive environments that foster positive relationships, collaboration, learning and personal development.

This connects with the Pathways to School Success project, especially its new guidelines for educators, policy-makers and school administrators on supporting mental health and wellbeing.

The projects featured in this article demonstrate a variety of innovative approaches applied across different levels of education, from early childhood through primary and secondary to vocational education. They highlight important issues such as emotional and physical wellbeing, fostering emotional and social competences, and encouraging healthy relationships, teamwork and personal growth in classroom settings.

Join the celebration of the laureate projects that will feature at the European Innovative Teaching Award event to be streamed live on 15 November 2024.

Early childhood education and care

The Happy children, cooperative pupils, efficient brains project focused on the link between mental wellbeing and academic success by integrating techniques that support emotional wellbeing into everyday classroom activities in order to help children manage stress and improve their focus and cooperation with their peers.

Sustainability and environmental awareness are critical themes in modern education, and they help foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment. The Outdoor activities for sustainability, innovation and success project combined environmental education with innovative learning techniques. By moving learning outside the traditional classroom, it encouraged children to engage with nature with the aim of fostering a personal love of the environment and a sense of responsibility for its protection.

Primary education

Be a true buddy, not a false bully took a direct approach to bullying by promoting friendship, kindness and empathy among participants. It used peer mentoring and anti-bullying campaigns to encourage pupils to be ‘true buddies’ to one another by standing up against bullying behaviour and supporting their peers. A positive school climate is critical for pupil engagement and success, and fosters an environment where pupils feel safe, supported and motivated to learn. Through collaborative activities and workshops, pupils learn the value of respect and empathy.

The Together – to get there project encouraged a strong sense of collaboration and unity among pupils and teachers. By focusing on group activities and collective problem-solving, this initiative encouraged pupils to work as a team, supporting each other’s learning and personal growth.

Secondary education

The T.E.A.M.I. – Training Emotional Intelligent and Acceptant Mindsets for Inclusion project highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence in promoting inclusion. The project trained teachers and pupils in emotional intelligence skills to create a more empathetic, supportive and inclusive school environment. It focused on skills like emotional awareness, empathy and acceptance of others, which are essential for reducing conflicts, so that all pupils are given equal opportunities to thrive in school environments.

The No bully no cry project focused on the prevention of and early intervention in bullying by using role-playing, discussions and interactive exercises to teach pupils how to recognise bullying behaviour and respond effectively. It cultivated a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of bullying, empowering pupils to take active steps to create a safe and respectful environment for all.

The Wellness in our Lady’s College Galway project focuses on pupil wellbeing through mindfulness and stress management practices. It offers workshops, training sessions and a dedicated wellness curriculum to equip pupils and teachers with tools to manage stress, reduce anxiety and enhance emotional resilience. The project places a strong emphasis on creating a balanced, peaceful school environment where mental health is prioritised.

Vocational education and training

The ERGO – Equal Rights, Great Opportunities project tackles issues related to social inequality and access to education. Its aim is to ensure that all students have the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity or other personal circumstances. Through awareness-raising campaigns and educational workshops, the project seeks to create a fairer, more inclusive school environment.

The Peace Education in Early Childhood to Prevent Bullying (PEEC) project targeted early childhood education to prevent bullying behaviour before it starts. By introducing peace education at a young age, the project equipped young children with the social-emotional skills they need to build healthy relationships and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Discover all the EITA 2024 laureate projects.