From May 13 to 25, the mobility action for learning purposes ‘Natural and Computer Science in Harmony’ took place in Vilanova I la Geltrú (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), coordinated by the Fundació Catalunya Voluntària in partnership with the Profiled for Math and Science ‘Geo Milev’ from Stara Zagora (Bulgaria).
For 13 days, a group of 10 students aged 16 to 18, accompanied by two teachers, participated in a program created by the FCV to learn mathematics and science using the non-formal and intercultural learning methodology, so that the group was the
protagonist of activities a bit different from those they carry out in the school. Aware of our limitations in mathematics at the FCV, we have proposed games, exercises, and simulations to learn new ways of learning, focused on observation,
interaction and reflection, while looking into those sources of competence that does not play a primary role in the educational system, such as nature, sports, and fine arts, privileged sources for the development of key capabilities for future scientist and
mathematicians.
We gave them the tools and spaces to reflect on the activities and improve critical skills and attitudes, such as respect, teamwork, initiative, or creativity. One of the visit objectives was to observe the educational methodology in a secondary
school, which has been possible thanks to the IES ‘Baix a mar’, which has invited the group to participate in two classes on Thursday 18 April.
With the permission of good spring weather we have done a good part of outdoor activities: guided tours of the city, beach games; visited the Bioacoustic Laboratory of the UPC, located in the port of Vilanova; group participated in a petanque workshop in the Ribes Roges Park, in collaboration with the Catalan Petanque Federation; dedicated the morning of Sunday the 21st to recover pathways in a joint action with volunteers from Garraf Coopera in the Ortoll forest; visited the ‘Espai Far’ (sea museum), the neighboring city of Sitges and, of course, Barcelona, where the group spent their free evenings. On Sant Jordi’s day, April 23, we held a mini festival of short films with images of the party and the atmosphere of the Rambla Principal filmed by the students.
Considering the group’s mathematical knowledge, we have asked them to design new activities, similar to those they carried out, to improve future groups’ mathematical and scientific skills.
With this, there are 9 activities hosted by the FCV in the last 3 years in partnership with Bulgarian organizations and with the support of the Bulgarian national agency and the Erasmus + program of the European Commission, this being the first carried out by a school and not a vocational training center, and the first with a group from Stara Zagora visiting us.
Students evaluated the activity very positively. On the final evaluation sheets, they have written comments like these: “I liked that most of the games were encouraging us to work in a team, listen to each other, and think outside of the box”. “I learned to appreciate other cultures and an education different from mine. I gained more experience working in a team, challenging myself to help others and to be more
empathetic”. “I improved my teamwork, active listening, initiative, and self-expression” “The whole idea of the program is truly unique”.
When asked about their perception regarding the degree of achievement of the activity’s 3 objectives, the average grade was over 8 up to 10.
When asked if the activity has allowed them to develop the 5 skills and attitudes of teamwork, respect, responsibility, initiative, and foreign language, the average score has been over 9 up to 10.
The group also rated the accommodation and meals at the Hotel Cèsar very positively, with an average score close to 9 up to 10 (8,86).
Many thanks to the IES ‘Baix a Mar’, the Catalan Petanque Federation, the Center BioLab, Garraf Coopera, the ‘Salvem l’Ortoll’ Platform, and Francesc Nogueron for their help in organizing the activity!
