University of Western Macedonia hosts Erasmus+ PROVE project partner meeting

Held from March 8 to 13, the study visit brought together representatives from partner institutions across Austria, Georgia, and Armenia, including a delegation from Yerevan State University.

The event commenced with an official opening ceremony at the University of Western Macedonia, followed by an intensive full-day working session. Discussions centered on the project implementation process, the contributions of partner institutions, and the strategic roadmap for upcoming phases.

On the third day, partner institutions continued collaborative working sessions. In the afternoon, a specialized training seminar, "VaKE in Practice: Using Artificial Intelligence to Develop VaKE Dilemmas", was conducted. Participants explored the fundamental stages of designing VaKE dilemmas, methodological guidelines, and common pitfalls. Through practical exercises, attendees applied AI tools to create VaKE dilemmas tailored to various educational contexts. The day concluded with a detailed presentation on assessment mechanisms within the teaching process.

A core component of the meeting was the exchange of experiences regarding the application of the VaKE methodology. Representatives from Yerevan State University, the Armenian State Pedagogical University, Telavi State University named after Iakob Gogebashvili, Caucasus University, and Ilia State University shared insights on applying the methodology in selected courses, student engagement, and the challenges encountered during instruction, alongside strategies for overcoming them.

Within the project framework, Armenian and Georgian university representatives conducted pilot lessons in a group-work format. These sessions were followed by extensive feedback and consultations led by the VaKE methodology's creator, Jean-Luc Patry, together with Austrian colleagues.

The program also included a seminar on peace education, highlighting its core principles and integration into VaKE courses. The seminar served as an important forum for discussing the promotion of values and critical thinking within educational environments.

On the final day, participants visited the Primary School of Eleftherio-Kordelio in Thessaloniki to explore intercultural education in practice in Greece. Delegates were introduced to the school's activities, observed classroom sessions, and discussed approaches to implementing intercultural education. The visit concluded with a structured reflection session, during which participants evaluated the insights gained and considered how to adapt these practices within their own institutions.  

The Florina visit marked a significant step in reinforcing collaboration among partner universities, fostering the exchange of expertise, and advancing the integration of the VaKE methodology in academic settings.