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Comenius: Europe in the classroom

The Comenius programme focuses on the first phase of education, from pre-school and primary to secondary schools. It is relevant for all members of the education community: pupils, teachers, local authorities, parents’ associations, non-government organisations, teacher training institutes, universities and all other educational staff.
Part of the Lifelong Learning Programme, Comenius seeks to develop knowledge and understanding among young people and educational staff of the diversity of European cultures , languages and values. It helps young people acquire the basic life skills and competences necessary for their personal development, for future employment and for active citizenship.

The programme addresses issues strongly related to current discussions and developments in school policy. Priorities are set annually.

Objectives 

Comenius has the following goals:
  • To improve and increase the mobility of pupils and educational staff in different Member States
  • To enhance and increase partnerships between schools in different Member States, with at least three million pupils taking part in joint educational activities by 2010  
  • To encourage language learning, innovative ICT-based content, services and better teaching techniques and practices 
  • To enhance the quality and European dimension of teacher training 
  • To improve pedagogical approaches and school management
Current priorities 

The Comenius programme focuses on the following priority areas:

  • Motivation for learning and learning-to-learn skills
  • Key competences: improving language learning; greater literacy; making science more attractive; supporting entrepreneurship; and reinforcing creativity and innovation 
  • Digital educational content and services 
  • School management 
  • Addressing socio-economic disadvantages and reducing early school leaving 
  • Participation in sports 
  • Teaching diverse groups of pupils 
  • Early and pre-primary learning
(http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc84_en.htm)
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Let us have but one end in view, the welfare of humanity.

John Amos Comenius (1592-1670)

John Amos Comenius (28 March 1592 – 15 November 1670) was a Czech teacher, scientist, educator, and writer. He was a Unity of the Brethren/Moravian Protestant bishop, a religious refugee, and one of the earliest champions of universal education, a concept eventually set forth in his book Didactica Magna. Comenius became known as the teacher of nations. He is often considered the father of modern education.

(wikipedia)