The course on Feuerstein method had an impact on my personal growth as well as professional practice

Within the Erasmus+ program, Klaudia Bednárová attended a course on Feuerstein method in Prague and talks about its impact on her personal growth and professional practice in the following interview.

What were your expectations from the course on the Feuerstein method?

In June, thanks to an accredited Erasmus+ project, I had the opportunity to participate in a week-long course focused on the Feuerstein method. This method involves stimulating cognitive development, which helps students in their personal and social growth as well as in their educational process. While the Feuerstein method is often used with school-aged students, its benefits extend far beyond this group. Its principles are highly applicable in working with diverse communities, including students with specific needs, older adults, or individuals facing challenges in cognitive functioning.

As an educator specializing in adult learning, particularly with seniors, I quickly realized the immense potential of this method. It offers insights into how to support each student in utilizing their cognitive abilities more effectively. I was very selective when choosing the course, knowing that dedicating a week would require a significant investment of my time and energy. My expectations were high, and I’m happy to say the course far exceeded them. The trainer was excellent, the group was inspiring, and the program was intensive.

How has the course impacted your school community?

My goal was to deepen my understanding of the Feuerstein method so I could bring this knowledge to my colleagues. I believe that being able to actively work with students to enhance their cognitive skills is both incredibly useful and necessary. Currently, I am testing the knowledge I gained in practice and have arranged for individual mentoring sessions. I want to master this method thoroughly, which requires practice, time, and ongoing learning.

The course was just the first step into a completely new world. Feuerstein’s approach not only improves teaching strategies but also fosters an inclusive environment where our students feel more supported.

What did you learn during the course?

A key part of my experience was self-reflection. I realized how essential it is to continually communicate and invest in personal growth. I learned that the brain tends to become lazy if it is not actively engaged, reinforcing the importance of mental stimulation. This applies to all adults and helps us better understand the barriers our students may face in learning.

The course also emphasized flexibility in learning—what to learn, how to learn, and when to learn. Teaching languages, for instance, is closely tied to cognitive fitness, and regularly challenging one’s own cognitive abilities is fundamental. Learning new things and acquiring new skills actively helps me better understand my students and more effectively support them in overcoming challenges such as time constraints, energy limitations, and time management.

What role does building relationships with students play in education?

Building strong relationships with students is key to effective education, and this course reaffirmed that. Upskilling and reskilling have become integral to our professional lives. The ability to learn as adults is critical to achieving a sense of comfort and success in our personal and professional journeys.

How did interacting with other participants enrich your experience?

I deeply value this course because it provided me with an opportunity to learn within an international community. Interacting with colleagues from European countries, as well as from Japan, China, Argentina, and Uruguay, was incredibly enriching. Hearing their perspectives on education and their approaches to teaching was refreshing. Although most of my colleagues focused on teaching children rather than adults, their insights into various methods and strategies helped me better understand diverse educational practices worldwide. It was fascinating to learn how schools in different countries strive for effective and high-quality education.

In conclusion, my experience with the Erasmus+ program and the course on the Feuerstein method has profoundly influenced not only my personal growth but also my professional practice. I am excited to continue applying what I’ve learned and sharing this knowledge with my colleagues to strengthen our educational community.

Edited by: Barbora Gecseová and Kamila Jančíková