Surveys

Citizenship education refers to the aspects of school education intended to prepare pupils to become active citizens, by ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to contribute to the development and wellbeing of the society in which they live.

Mentoring usually refers to the process of an experienced person, the mentor, assisting another person, the mentee, in developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the mentee’s professional and personal growth. At school level, mentoring opportunities are available for pupils, usually focusing on their educational performance and social-emotional support, and teachers, in the context of initial training or continuous professional development programmes, for example.

Many school libraries play an important role in promoting literacy and supporting new pedagogical practices. We would like to hear your views on this unique learning space!

George Santayana is credited with the quote ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’ – and, in this regard, history education can strengthen our collective memory by showing contrasting views of historical events. This survey explored the way(s) history is taught, or should be taught, as well as participants’ views on introducing multiperspectivity in history education.

The recent School Education Gateway survey on learning outside the classroom found that most respondents organise activities outside the classroom at least once a month. Respondents reported that working with external stakeholders has a positive effect on their daily practice positively, although it can present practical difficulties that can be addressed through partnership-building strategies.

The survey results indicate that innovation and entrepreneurship competences should be further highlighted in schools. Out-of-school activities seem to be an effective practice for developing pupils’ competences. On the other hand, teachers reported difficulties in accessing and collaborating with organisations, associations and businesses.

The recent School Education Gateway survey on action research found that most respondents are familiar with action research and believe it sharpens critical awareness and provides actionable results, but that further support is needed through asynchronous training, guidelines and hearing about other teachers’ experiences.

The survey, which took place in summer 2021, found that the most effective ways of fostering pupils’ cultural identities include international collaboration via eTwinning and Erasmus+, enriching school practices with pluricultural content, and teachers’ professional development.

Everyday life skills such as preparing a healthy meal and managing finances should be taught at every school level, mainly through cross-curricular approaches, according to respondents to the latest School Education Gateway survey. The survey found that families and teaching staff are the most important actors in developing children’s life skills – their ability to deal with issues commonly encountered in daily life.

The school curriculum should change to include new topics, and this should involve teachers and school leaders, according to respondents of the latest School Education Gateway survey. The survey found that some topics, such as health and citizenship, are already covered to some extent, but that others – financial literacy and entrepreneurship, in particular – are currently less frequently taught.