The third training of the SELF project was in the city of Malmö, facilitated by Lund University. The Swedish school system and local programs about Social and Emotional learning were discussed during this training. What follows is an insight in the training as experienced by Erasmus Brussles University of Applied Sciences and Arts (EHB)
The first topic of the training discussed the educational system in Sweden:
Preschool: The place where children from 0 to 6 years old can go. The emphasis is placed on “play and care”.
Compulsory school: Children from 6 to 16 years are obliged to attend classes.
Non-mandatory continuation Children from 16 to 19 years have an option to continue studying
University: Students from the age of 19 can go to university to start higher studies.
The school system is different from the Belgium school system. There are, however, a number of similarities in terms of compulsory education.
Themes that are used on a daily basis:
Self-care
Independent development
Education through exploration, projects, language, art, technology, social interaction, mathematics, science …
Spontaneous play
Create challenging learning environment
Cooperation with the parents.
In Sweden, being outdoors is an equal part of the curriculum, learning and schooling process as being indoors. They learn to plant and care for vegetables and fruits, take care of animals … etc. They spend the same amount in time.
The last topic was about “used locally’ or ‘under local development” programs in Sweden:
Good behavior Game: played in the classroom in small groups. The children learn to work together and receive positive “reinforcement” for following the class rules. The practice “monitoring” and managing their own behavior. Teachers keep an eye on the group and if someone from a group breaks a rule the get a “check “mark”. At the end the groups with less than four “check marks” get a positive confirmation to achieve further success.
Effect: is a prevention program designed to reduce the use of alcohol and drugs among young people through parent training.
PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support): is a method that brings together all data, system and “practices” to ensure that everyone is supported – especially children with a “disability” so that schools are created in which every child can be successful.
The training provided insight into the school system and programs about Social and Emotional learning. The present partners were able to exchange additional information about these themes in their own countries. This allows each partner to bring workable items into their practice setting.
