Training

The Comenius-Grundtvig Training Database offers a range of training opportunities that complement and enrich your eTwinning activities and professional development.

In addition to workshops and learning events organised within the eTwinning Action, the Comenius-Grundtvig Training Database is an excellent resource to find out about other training opportunities across Europe.

Learn more about the opportunities available through this database from the following interview with Sylwia Sitka who is responsible for in-service training at the European Commission in Brussels.

 

What is the Comenius-Grundtvig Training Database?

The Comenius and Grundtvig Training Database is a catalogue of events, including training courses, for all teachers and non-teaching staff involved in school education, from pre-primary to upper secondary, and in adult education. The events are organised by various training providers who submit their training offers to National Agencies and the Agencies then select and introduce the events into the Database according to the defined criteria. All events are for an international audience and their overall objective is to help participants upgrade their professional skills in the field of education.

How can eTwinning teachers participate?

Teachers and other school or adult education staff wishing to participate in an event offered in the Database or elsewhere can apply for a grant which will support the costs of the course fee, travel and subsistence (accommodation), and sometimes even linguistic preparation. The grants are awarded through the In-Service Training Action of the Comenius (school education) and Grundtvig (adult education) sectoral programmes of the EU educational programme the ‘Lifelong Learning Programme’ (LLP).

The first point of information is the LLP National Agency located in the country of residence of the teacher. The list of website addresses and other contact details of the LLP National Agencies can be found here. 

The LLP National Agencies provide all the necessary information about the application procedure (e.g., application deadlines, application form and other documentation) and organise the selection process. When contacting the Agency, the interested teachers should ask about the “In-Service Training” Action or, in short, “IST”.

The step-by-step application procedure is also very well described in the “Instructions for Searching in the Comenius-Grundtvig Database and for Applying for a Training Grant” available in English and French here.

I strongly recommend reading the “Instructions” section carefully as it also gives useful information on how to use the Database and how to proceed with course enrollment.

What kind of training opportunities are available?

Most of the events offered on the Database are professional development courses, which also have been the most popular. The themes of the courses cover a wide range of topics from general and subject-specific methodology through ICT and classroom dynamics to school management.

Other events include European conferences and seminars in the field of education organised within the Comenius and Grundtvig Multinational Projects and Networks, and job-shadowing activities. The training event must take place in a country different from the applicant’s country of residence or where he or she works.

However, if a teacher does not find a suitable event in the Database, he or she can apply for a training event of his or her choice. The eligibility of the training event can be verified with the description of the Comenius IST Action in the LLP Guide 2009 (Part II – Explanations by Actions) available here.

What do teachers get out of such training activities?

Over 90% of the participants report being very highly or highly satisfied with the training activities abroad. The greatest benefit is visible in their professional and personal development.

Teachers improve their teaching, classroom management and foreign language skills, become more aware of the differences in education systems in the European Union, set up social and professional relations with teachers from other countries, and learn more about other EU cooperation opportunities. Very often, participation in a training activity abroad results in future Comenius school projects.

What tips would you give to eTwinners interested in participating?

1. First of all, contact your LLP National Agency to obtain the most up-to-date information on the application procedure and assistance available for applicants.
2. Choose the training event which best matches your development needs.
3. The Checklist included in the Application Form will help you ensure that the training activity is eligible for a grant.
4. Fill in the application form carefully, answering all the questions and attaching all the additional documentation. Many applications are rejected due to incomplete or wrongly filled in application forms!
5. When awarded a grant, have a look at the website of the European Mobility Alumni Network to get the most out of the international training experience.
6. Share your experience and new knowledge with the colleagues at home.
7. Enjoy the European learning experience!

Web Editor: Christina Crawley Published: 11.06.2009 Last changed: 25.08.2009