Improvement in the Quality of Chemistry Teaching in VET in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ChemTeach)
The ChemTeach project, aimed at improving the quality of chemistry education in vocational schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has seen remarkable progress through a series of events and collaborative efforts between schools from Bosnia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. With six dedicated work packages, each focusing on different aspects of educational enhancement, the project has fostered an engaging and innovative learning environment. Below are the key highlights from some of the major events:
- Summer School Trainings (Work Package 4)
The summer school, held in Bratislava, Slovakia, from August 26–30, 2024, gathered a total of 37 participants, including 24 students and 13 staff members from Bosnia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The program focused on three major chemistry fields: Food Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Cosmetic Chemistry.
Students were divided into four teams, each containing one student from each participating country, except for the organizing school, SOŠCH, which had two students per team. This grouping encouraged cross-cultural collaboration and peer learning. Each team was further split into two groups (A and B), participating in different laboratory activities that covered a range of chemical analyses.
Laboratory Work Highlights:- Group A: Engaged in activities such as the determination of sucrose in soft drinks and the measurement of sodium chloride in salt brine.
- Group B: Focused on tasks such as determining sulfur dioxide levels in wine and conducting various pharmaceutical and cosmetic chemistry experiments.
Objectives for Students:- Develop Analytical Skills: Through practical chemical analyses like spectrophotometry and titration, students enhanced their laboratory expertise.
- Collaborative Learning: Team-based activities fostered collaborative problem-solving and communication skills.
- Data Processing and Interpretation: Students learned to process experimental data and interpret results accurately.
- Cultural Exchange: Participants engaged in cultural activities, including city tours, promoting intercultural understanding.
- Presentation Skills: Students prepared and presented their findings at the end of the program, honing their scientific communication abilities.
Objectives for Teachers:- Exchange Pedagogical Practices: Teachers participated in workshops to share best practices, particularly on integrating technology like AI and sensors into chemistry lessons.
- Professional Development: Workshops such as “Exploring Chemical Information” and “Integrating Erasmus Program Priorities” helped teachers stay updated on modern educational methods.
Competencies Development:Participants of the summer school worked on key competences as recommended by the Council of the European Union for lifelong learning. These included:
- Multilingual Competence: Students practiced English, Czech, Slovak, and Bosnian languages, utilizing AI-based translation tools.
- Mathematical and Science Competence: Hands-on chemical analyses, titration techniques, and the use of spectrophotometry enhanced their scientific proficiency.
- Digital Competence: They used office applications, graphic design tools, and mobile apps to process and present data.
Cultural and Social ActivitiesIn addition to academic training, participants were engaged in cultural exploration. They toured Bratislava's city center, participated in the Culture Quest (a fun educational activity that included singing and dancing from different European countries), and interacted with local students. These activities promoted cultural awareness, one of the essential pillars of the project.
- Conference hosted in Brno
On April 20, 2024, the project hosted a conference in Brno, Czech Republic, focusing on contemporary teaching strategies for chemistry in vocational education. The event saw 38 participants engage in productive discussions, with topics ranging from the use of AI in education to best practices for laboratory instruction. Teachers exchanged experiences and explored ways to implement these strategies in their respective institutions.
- Educational Course for B&H High School Teachers in Slovakia and Czech Republic (April 2024).
As part of the ChemTeach project, an educational mobility course for high school teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina is scheduled from April 8-12, 2024, in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The programme will cover key topics such as digital tools in teaching, practical chemistry lab experiences, and international VET cooperation.
Programme Overview:
- Day 1: Sunday, 07.04.2024
- Arrival in Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Day 2: Monday, 08.04.2024
- Location: Stredná odborná škola chemická, Bratislava.
- Activities: School tour, discussion with teachers, chemistry laboratory exercises (organic and inorganic), professional development discussions, and lunch at Maranello Ristorante.
- Number of participants: 20.
- Day 3: Tuesday, 09.04.2024
- Location: Stredná odborná škola chemická, Bratislava.
- Activities: Vocational education training discussions, Erasmus+ integration, safety in chemical labs, and promoting VET. The day concludes with a dinner at Bratislavský Meštiansky Pivovar.
- Number of participants: 20.
- Day 4: Wednesday, 10.04.2024
- Travel from Bratislava to Pardubice, Czech Republic, with a potential stop in Prague.
- Exchange Euros to Czech crowns for local transactions.
- Day 5: Thursday, 11.04.2024
- Location: Střední průmyslová škola chemická, Pardubice.
- Activities: School tour, lab exercises (organic chemistry, forensic chemistry), digital tools in education, and chemistry show for student recruitment.
- Number of participants: 15.
- Day 6: Friday, 12.04.2024
- Location: Střední průmyslová škola chemická, Pardubice.
- Activities: Discussion on attracting students to chemistry studies, practical digital tools demonstrations, and interview recordings of participants.
- Day 7: Saturday, 13.04.2024
- Departure from Pardubice.
This mobility event aimed to enhance chemistry teaching in Bosnia and Herzegovina by providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge educational techniques and international best practices in vocational training.
- Day 1: Sunday, 07.04.2024
- Conference: Educational Strategies for Chemistry in VET
The ChemTeach project held its initial kickoff meeting in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on March 12, 2024. Attended by 45 participants from all partner institutions, the meeting outlined the project goals, work packages, and strategies for improving chemistry teaching. The most notable discussions revolved around the integration of innovative laboratory techniques and digital tools for enhancing student engagement.
- Kickoff Project Meeting
The first kickoff meeting of the ChemTeach project took place from February 21-22, 2024 at the Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava. This significant event gathered 21 participants to discuss critical aspects of the project. Key points included the review of teaching requirements, the project budget, and the assignment of specific work packages. Arrangements were made to facilitate collaboration among partner institutions to achieve the project's objectives.
The ChemTeach project (Project number 101129417-ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CB-VET) aims to enhance the quality of chemistry teaching in vocational education and training (VET) in Bosnia and Herzegovina from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2026. By addressing the declining interest in chemistry and natural sciences among students, the project seeks to build the capacity of chemistry teachers, fostering a more engaging and effective learning environment.
Through its various work packages, ChemTeach will explore innovative teaching strategies, establish strong interactions between educational institutions and employers, and ultimately improve the educational outcomes for students pursuing careers in chemistry and related fields.
