As a result of tasks realised within WP 3 Improve teaching methodologies and embed the ICT in learning material, WBC staff have been trained in teaching methodology on the K-FORCE project, through a combination of study visits to EU partner institutions, workshops held and literature provided on the project website.

In the VTSNS, the process was particularly intensified in 2017 with the accent on blended learning intending to prepare grounds for the launch of the ICT platform in the following school year. Then, in the beginning of the summer semester of 2018/2019 school year, with the aim to enhance student-centred learning and problem-based learning, VTSNS teachers were asked to consider the possibility of applying the two methods in their teaching activities.

The idea was to select one or two courses and implement the methods to see the student reaction to this teaching approach. The teacher most willing to enrich his teaching methodology in this way was Prof. Sasa Spaic, assistant director for teaching in the VTSNS. He was introduced to SCL and PBL during his visit to Danish partners DTU and ALU in 2017. His course Investigation of causes, phases and consequences of fire, is also very suitable for this kind of experimentation. Students made five groups and produced five papers on topics on fire safety during March 2019. The teacher took an active role of a mentor. The presentation of student achievements was organised on April 14, 2019. The defense of papers in front of the entire group was dynamic and all team members participated. The conclusion is that this approach takes more time and effort of both teachers and students than traditional teaching methods where students are more or less consumers of what is presented by the teaching stuff, but the results of such an engagement are far more rewarding.

Two of the papers are to be presented at the 2nd K-FORCE Symposium in Tirana in September 2019.

Papers and PowerPoint presentations of VTSNS students