Aim: Chemistry teacher training aimed at improving the quality of chemistry teaching in secondary schools, within the Erasmus+ project ChemTeach (101129417-ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CB-VET), was held in the period from April 8 to 12, 2024 in Bratislava (Slovakia) and Pardubice (Czech Republic). The courses were attended by Professor Saša Zeljković from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics and chemistry teachers from the Gymnasium, Medical, and Technological Schools in Banja Luka.
During the visit to the High School of Chemistry from Bratislava (Stredná odborná škola chemická, Bratislava), the teachers visited the laboratories and attended professional subject classes. The topics of lectures and workshops included professional education and training in EU countries, teaching and evaluation using digital tools, and extracurricular professional activities as a form of professional development. The visit was also an opportunity to talk with students participating in chemistry competitions and with students doing professional practice. The hosts paid special attention to the presentation of their promotional activities, and Erasmus+ projects were highlighted as an important part of professional education.
At the Higher Secondary School of Chemistry in the Czech city of Pardubice (Střední průmyslova škola chemická Pardubice), emphasis is placed on the application of digital tools in the teaching of chemistry and laboratory work. The focus of the presentations and discussions was on methods that can be used to promote chemistry and attract future students.
Impact: The CHEMTEACH project is designed to include various short-, medium- and long-term impacts on all target groups and stakeholders in VET schools, universities, educational authorities and policy makers at all levels of responsibility in BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina), as well as economic entities from production activities, scientific institutions, public services and others that use chemical knowledge and skills in their activities.
Short-term impacts:
- Teachers: Training in modern didactics and digital technologies will improve chemistry teaching in vocational schools. Teachers will spread these skills and experiences, enriching the broader chemistry teaching community.
- Students: Vocational high school students will benefit from modern learning materials, developing practical chemical knowledge for future professions.
Medium-term impacts:
- Higher education: Professors and students will adopt innovative teaching methods, enhancing chemistry education in universities.
- Collaboration: Stronger ties between VET (vocational education and training) institutions, universities, economic stakeholders, and educational authorities will be established.
Long-term impacts:
- Reform initiative: Stakeholders will lead educational reforms, making the system more sustainable and aligned with demographic challenges.
- STEM popularity: The project seeks to boost the popularity of natural sciences education, especially chemistry, for long-term educational and economic benefits.
