Post 35 - Courses and Training: Learning about the 4 Cs

As part of the European Erasmus+ project, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in the field of learning methods and strategies by attending ‘The 4 Cs: creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration in schools’. The course took place at the Rosmarin business center in Praha, Ceck Republic, 1-6 April, 2024. This course was organized by the Europass Teacher Academy.

Together with other teachers from other member states of the European Union we focused on differrent aspects of the learning process.

The course offered training in a foreign language, enriched by stimulating practical exercises accompanied by group activities which gave rise to moments of socialization and discussion. I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of how to increase competences on creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration (see programm below).

A distinctive element of this Erasmus+ experience was the chance to explore the lively city of Praha, giving the chance to immerse myself in its culture and history. The two guided tours allowed participants to share ideas and perspectives, further enriching the training context.

Learning programme and tasks

Activity / task 1: course introduction

Description:

Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
Icebreaker activities using drama for trust and ensemble building.

Setting goals

Identification of needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations;
Introductions, Lessons, and discussion about 21st-century learners, and the current situation in Europe;
The 4Cs in the curriculum;
Group discussion and activities;
Presentations of the participants’ schools.

Activity / task 2: classroom communication
Description:	Lesson and discussion regarding kinds of communication used at school, verbal, written, non-verbal, digital, artistic, musical; How to create and promote channels of communication and listening through collaborative work and social and emotional intelligence-building activities.

Activity / task 3: encouraging creative mind
Description:	Lesson and activities about creativity, what it means, why it is important, how to encourage it; Critical thinking as fundamental to the second step of the creative process.

Activity / task 4: integrating the 4 Cs
Description:	Lesson about strategies and examples of successful implementation; How to incorporate the 4Cs into the curriculum in a meaningful way; Practical activities.

Activity / task 5: the 4Cs overview
Description:	Simulations of good communication, and group activities to generate new ideas about collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking; Pitfalls to avoid when implementing the 4Cs.