4 June 2008 - 17:26Teacher Power in PACE Project Diffusion Seminars in Venice and Forlì

What more appropriate venue for a demonstration of excellent teaching practice than the Centre of Excellence in Education at the University of Ca’ Foscari , Venice, ( CENEC), where PACE teachers, covering a full spectrum of subjects, presented their experience of the PACE Project.

Each teacher in succession held the audience as lesson materials, created and piloted by the teachers, were charismatically presented along with examples of the work of students and insights into what the students had gained from new ways of learning. The presentations themselves were models of the PACE teaching strategies. Significantly, several teachers co presented with their students, thus highlighting the importance and value attached to a collaborative relationship between teachers and teachers. The outstanding results were inextricably connected to this rapport between teachers and students.

The responsibility accorded to students was further evident in the students’ presentation of their independently written document on Education for the Future that was formally presented to the authorities present.

These presentations were set in the specific context of the PACE project by its Education Director, Sandy Thomas, and in the broader context of a multicultural network of in-service teacher training in the EU by Professor Margiotta, Vice Rector of the University of Ca’ Foscari .

In support of the diffusion of the PACE Project achievements, Valentina Bach, the Project Manager , put forward proposals relating to the creation of an agency to extend professional development opportunities for teachers, building on the success of the PACE project model.

In Forli a PACE Project Diffusion seminar followed a similar pattern, the programme giving time and prominence to both teachers and students who once again did an excellent job in presenting some very original materials, some of which were tailored to the specific location of Forli and designed to create links between the classroom and the local landscape and community. Interestingly, in Forli, where there was only one “official” PACE teacher , the school had “stolen a march” on diffusion and already drawn in a new teacher whose students joined her in presenting a substantial initiative wholly in line with PACE strategies. In addition, a cd rom entitled “World Cutures negli istituti superiori strumenti di eccellenza per educare alla mondialità”, with links to the PACE website, was produced by Angelo Papi for circulation amongst Forli teachers.

PACE Project diffusion truly began with these two seminars, thanks to the strength of the network of PACE teachers and the vision of the local project managers. Everything we saw in both seminars suggests that the PACE “message” found receptive audiences, open to new approaches and acutely aware of the need for change if education is to keep pace with the needs of students and teachers in a rapidly changing world.

Sandy Thomas, 21/05/08