On August 23-24 a two-day teacher training on “Teaching techniques for EU Studies and innovative digital approaches” was held at Moldova State University (MSU)

The training represents the first event organised within the framework of the project “Enhancing Moldova’s Europeanization Through Innovative Teaching Practices” (Best4ME), funded by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and coordinated by the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu (UT), in partnership with Moldova State University (MSU). 

Best4ME has the objective to develop research and teaching expertise in European Studies by involving local teaching staff and management and prepare graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge for future employment in the organizations responsible for implementing societal reforms key to Moldova’s European integration (government institutions, administration structures, NGOs). 

More than 20 participants – lecturers, doctoral researchers, and administrators – joined the workshop from MSU and other higher education institutions of the country. The event explored key aspects such as new teaching approaches to Europeanization and enlargement studies, role-games and simulations of EU decision making, digital and interactive teaching techniques, and best practices related to course updating and curriculum reform. 

Over the two days of the training, under the guidance of Dr. Stefano Braghiroli and Ms. Anna Beitane, participants were directly involved in testing innovative European Studies pedagogies and experimenting digital learning methods and teaching tools. By working both individually and in group, local participants and Skytte experts exchanged ideas, experiences, and relevant feedback aimed at upgrading teaching of European studies and crafting student-centred learning. 

The event was opened by the welcome words of large delegation of distinguished guests including representatives from the University rectorate, the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the EU Delegation in Moldova, Estonian DCCP in Moldova, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with His Excellency Ion Stăvilă, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the Republic of Estonia. 

According to Dr. Stefano Braghiroli, Associate Professor of European Studies at the Johan Skytte Institute and Academic Coordinator of Best4ME: “during these two days we have planted the seeds of change both in terms of teaching and learning in European Studies. Thanks to these determined and committed teachers a new generation of students and of future European citizens will join the ranks of the Moldovan universities’ graduates. These will be the builders of Moldova’s European tomorrow.” 

According to Ms. Anna Beitane, Manager of Online Learning Projects at the Johan Skytte Institute: “the conversations and fruitful exchange of ideas and practices that our participants experienced during the workshop will provide a solid base for further development of challenge-based and problem-based learning in the field of European studies and the ever growing integration of digital tools in the daily teaching practice”. 

The project is supported by ESTDEV - Estonian Center for International Development Cooperation, project agreement - nr 4-1/125-2023.