How to rethink school spaces? VOCO extended team kicks off within the PROVEST project.
Tartu Vocational College (VOCO) is a partner of PROVEST project, which focuses on developing powerful transformative learning environments (PTLE). An empowering learning environment is meaningful to learners, supports self-directed learning, and directly connects theory with real-world situations and practical challenges.
Extended team focuses on better use of physical space
The VOCO extended team gathered for its first meeting on November 11 to define upcoming challenges and key actions. The team brings together teamleader Diana Eller, teachers Dagmar Traumann and Ülle Soeson Lepp, Head of IT Signe Vedler and Karmen Trasberg from the University of Tartu, and Jana Jaakson representing industry partner Thermory.
The meeting focused on adapting the use of existing physical spaces to make learning more supportive, relevant, and safe by creating an atmosphere where students feel confident to experiment, make mistakes, and collaborate. “Space directly affects working and learning, making it an essential component of the learning environment. However, we won’t be tearing down walls; instead, we are developing methods to make our physical school space work better,” explained Diana Eller. Guided by a university mentor, the development process began with refining objectives, planning interventions, designing solutions, testing them, and gathering feedback from students, colleagues, and international partners.
Practical insights from the Belgian masterclass
Collecting best practices and exchanging experiences has been a core pillar of the PROVEST project. At the end of September, a masterclass in Belgium brought together representatives from all partner organizations to discuss school-industry collaboration and the impact of teamwork. Diana Eller and Dagmar Traumann attended on behalf of VOCO.
Dagmar Traumann highlighted several effective methods and examples of empowering learning environments from the visit that can be applied back home. One standout practice was a photo-based method designed to reinforce professional growth. “Students were asked to walk around the school building and take a photo that they felt symbolized their professionalism. The subsequent discussion and analysis significantly boosted their self-confidence. I definitely intend to implement this method in my own teaching,” shared Dagmar.
For more information about the project, visit provest-cove.eu.