ECB

In the first week of the CoP participants had the opportunity to discuss topics for the future inGenious workshops, as well as to provide feedback on the inGenious summer school 2012. During this CoP, participants gave constructive feedback on areas that needed improving during the upcoming inGenious summer schools. The key areas highlighted, were to allow more time for discussion and collaboration between teachers, longer summer schools (lasting four days rather than 3 days) and organise workshops where teachers are together in groups to share their experiences (regarding the way in which they implemented the inGenious practices with their classroom).

During week two of the CoP, teachers had the opportunity to propose topics for future inGenious community of practices and some of the topics put forward by teachers were: dams and their use or energy impact on human life and nature. 

Week three of the CoP focused on how inGenious chats could be improved. Participants actively contributed to this CoP (with positive feedback in favour of chats) as they provide them and their students with a good online tool to meet experts from across Europe. Additionally, participants listed a number of chats which their students enjoyed and benefited from, namely: Deforest Action, Biofuels and Bio Plastics. One of the main areas that participants highlighted, is the fact that sometimes the access to internet or the internet connection from school is not always stable, however, they are committed to continue their participation and contribute during the inGenious organised chats.  

After a fruitful exchange of ideas, participants put forward recommendations and ideas for the summer school, topics to be discussed during CoPs and chats. In the final week of the CoP, participants had the opportunity to discuss the teachers’ forum, and the requierements for it to be set up. Some of the participating inGenious teachers were in favour of setting up a forum, however, the majority highlighted the fact that CoPs provide them with the right opportunity and space, where they can discuss themed topics in a structured environment.

This CoP focused on the future of inGenious activities, as well as providing feedback on the ingenious Summer school organized in 2012. During this CoP there were 231 posts by participating teachers and a total of 20,614 views.

Participants had the opportunity to provide ideas and use their own experience/s towards improving the ingenious activity and long term goals. It was observed, that even in the case of recurring issues (such as slow internet connection), the participants were still committed to significantly contribute in the organized chats. Furthermore, the necessity and utility of creating a forum (as to optimize the exchange of ideas, regardless of distances, in a structured environment), was underlined by the attendants.