Teaching and Learning Through Art – Erasmus+ Training in Venice
The European Cultural Academy organised an Erasmus+ course in Venice for teachers between the 20th and 25th February 2023 titled ‘Teaching and Learning through Art’, which turned out to be an enriching and beneficial experience for Ms Caroline Pullicino, Ms Alison Portelli Shaw, Ms Erika Scicluna and Ms Ilona Zammit. During the week-long course, our teachers were given the opportunity to visit some of Venice’s world-renowned museums, namely, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Galleria Dell’ Accademia, and Ca’Pesaro, where our teachers experienced Byzantine to Renaissance masterpieces, through to Modern and Contemporary art, including some of those displayed in the first Venice Biennale edition, gaining knowledge that could be integrated into their lessons.
One of the highlights of the Erasmus+ course was the opportunity for the teachers to meet with a French artist, Sophie Franza, who provided valuable insights into the creative process and the world of art. The course was also led by the fantastic lecturer, Prof. Laura Tinti, who made the sessions both informative and engaging.
In addition to gaining knowledge and skills related to art, the teachers were also given opportunities to present their ideas to others, and this served to foster a spirit of collaboration and sharing. Teachers who attended the Erasmus+ course found it to be a great learning experience that helped them enhance their teaching skills.
The knowledge and skills gained from the Erasmus+ course will be invaluable for teachers, as they work towards developing a curriculum that is engaging, relevant, and meaningful for their students. The teachers who attended the course explored cross-curricular teaching, with particular attention to Art, English Literature and Drama, and will now be able to share their newfound knowledge and insights with the rest of the staff at school and the St Joseph School community, thus creating a ripple effect of learning and development.
The Erasmus+ course in Venice was an excellent opportunity for teachers to gain exposure to different cultures, learn new teaching methodologies, and connect with fellow educators from different parts of the world. Such courses play a crucial role in providing teachers with the tools and resources they need to create a stimulating learning environment for their students.
In conclusion, the Erasmus+ course in Venice organized by the European Cultural Academy was a highly successful event that served to benefit all the teachers who attended. It provided them with valuable insights into the world of art and enhanced their teaching skills, thus creating a positive impact on their students. The experience of attending such courses will surely inspire more teachers to seek out similar opportunities to expand their knowledge and enhance their teaching skills.
