UWC Mostar Center for Professional Development

The UWC Mostar Center for Professional Development in its recent initiative, hosted three in-person weekends for teachers specializing in English Language, History, and Mathematics. These workshops were designed to enhance professional skills, promote collaboration, and strengthen teaching practices within these key subjects.

Over the course of the workshops, a total of 91 participants from across the country took part in enriching sessions aimed at refining their teaching methodologies and deepening their subject knowledge. Six UWC Mostar experienced teachers and four guest speakers shared their expertise, offering valuable insights and strategies to support the teachers' professional growth.

These workshops not only provided an opportunity for educators to expand their skills but also created a platform for networking and exchange among teachers from diverse regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. By offering such professional development opportunities, the UWC Mostar Center continues to contribute to the ongoing improvement of education across the country.

We are happy to share some of the impressions from the participants of the workshops organized by the UWC Mostar Center for Professional Development.

 

1. English language workshops:

Interesting, learned a lot of new things about public speaking. The topic itself is something that I didn't have the opportunity to talk about or discuss before. -Arnela Pandur participant

The topic is very important and somewhat neglected in class, useful ideas. Great ideas for lessons and classes with slightly older students.- Alema Fazlić participant

The professor thoroughly explained the methods through the theoretical and practical parts. The topics and examples were concrete, and the ideas were realistic and applicable in the classroom. All in all, we took a lot with us, it's great when you have quality and experienced lecturers from whom you can learn a lot .- Adriana Zorić participant

The goal of professional development on a given topic has been achieved because the seminars and workshops in your organization are in line with the times and are very useful for us professors in classes. Even though I have been an educator for a long time, I always learn something new at your workshops, and at the same time refresh my existing knowledge. I will certainly try to incorporate the newly acquired knowledge into my daily activities, and I am sure that this will improve the transfer of knowledge to our students.- Adriana Zorić participant

 We learned something new and socialized and exchanged experiences with other English language teachers.- Ivana Bacilo participant

For me, the most important indicator that the goal of this professional development has been achieved is the fact that I can't wait for the beginning of classes to try out the methods and techniques I learned in the lectures.- Martina Jurković Rako participant

We received a lot of useful information that we can use in the classroom. -Emina Kuloglija participant

The goal was definitely achieved because we saw a lot of concrete examples through different topics that can be used in the classroom and in communication with students and people in general. It is an understatement to say that I am delighted with the way the topics were presented, as well as the atmosphere at the workshops.- Erna Fazlić participant

The lectures are very useful and applicable to everyday work.- Josipa Čoko participant

Some old knowledge about certain topics was expanded, and I gained some new knowledge and practices that are very useful.- Tanja Babić participant

We had an abundance of new ideas and methods that we could apply in our classroom and share with our colleagues.- Nizama Omerović participant

All lecturers shared tips and materials that can be used and combined in class. There was a lot of new information and methods.-Merjem Zajimović participant

I received enough information before the start of the school year and advice to improve the teaching process.- Adisa Begić participant

I started with classes and immediately applied everything I learned!- Ida Avdibegović participant

Yes, the goal was achieved. I have already incorporated the details of the workshop into the Curriculum.-Ivana Robović  participant

 

2. History workshops:

 

Most lectures are focused on working in ideal conditions with ideal students, which is difficult to achieve.- Ivona Drljepan participant

Excellent choice of topics.- Selma Rustempašić participant

Excellent presenters, interesting and useful topics.- Katarina Tomašević participant

Group work, motivating, concrete, clear instructions, experiential. -Admir Ibričić participant

The goal was achieved because as participants we were able to learn about practice, exchange opinions and create new ideas.- Belma Zulić participant

I must say that there is a need for such workshops as often as possible because during the workshop I noticed that some professors lacked practical work.- Fikreta Jakubović participant

Different perspectives of already known topics and improvement in the true sense of the word.- Dita Vrbanjac participant

Learning by doing, a promising combination.- Merjema Spahić participant

I think that I learned a lot of new things on this, which will help me in my history lessons- Eldin Ohran participant

Improvement is necessary in order to maintain the continuity of quality teaching, and workshops like this provide opportunities for further advancement and the exchange of ideas and experiences that can be applied in class.- Nermin Hakalović participant

 

All three presentations and discussions positively surprised me, all participants, colleagues, great weekend. – Amra Hasić participant

We are encouraged to think about the amount of information that is available to us, but also our responsibility when we refer students to certain historical sources.- Andrijana Marijanović participant

 

3. Mathematics workshop:

We learned something new that we will be able to apply in class.- Vedrana Jurić participant

I have new ideas for classroom work.- Erna Peco participant

The listeners present observed things from a new angle, as did the lecturers.-Amela Avdić Unkić participant

I believe that we all came to learn something new and improve our way of working in some way. The professors and lecturers are enthusiastic and made an effort to show us the good sides of this invitation and remind us that in the educational process, we should take a little more account of the way we communicate the assessment and perhaps introduce a little more applications of mathematics and thus motivate the children to work.- Selmira Sarajlić participant

I heard a lot of new, applicable ideas.- Jasmina Mešan participant

I have acquired new knowledge, which I will apply in my practice. I particularly like the research type of the test, which I have not had the opportunity to see in this form until now. I also made new acquaintances and exchanged some practical experiences. – Ermina Musić participant

Ever since last year and the workshops that impressed me, I am very satisfied this time as well. New knowledge and new information will help me a lot in evaluating and monitoring my students. -Hatidža Hejub participant

Everything was great due to the presentation of concrete strategies and tools that enable better monitoring of students' progress because both assessment methods emphasized the provision of feedback that encourages students to develop.- Đenita Šemić participant

All of the workshops encouraged me to think about improving the teaching process. – Mirijam Demirović participant

I got answers to the questions that bothered me in my work regarding the evaluation of student's work and achievements and how to achieve them. – Anela Kišić participant

This professional training was certainly very useful and something new compared to the professional training I have attended so far.- Jasmina Rahmanović participant

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CPDT - workshops for Mathematics and History teachers

The mission of UWC Mostar defines the role of the College and includes the possibility of organizing teacher training and active involvement in education reform in BiH. 

“Building bridges between people and cultures through inspiring, quality education.

UWC Mostar offers a practical demonstration of education that unites, inspires, and engages students and the wider community to strive for a peaceful and sustainable future through active local partnerships. UWC Mostar aims to develop educational practices relevant to post-conflict and transitional societies”.

To achieve its mission, UWC Mostar relies on academic, CAS, and outreach activities. 

The UWC Mostar Center for Professional Development of Teachers is dedicated to enhancing the skills and knowledge of educators in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By offering tailored training programs, workshops, and resources, the center aims to foster innovative teaching practices and promote lifelong learning. Through collaboration with local and international experts, the center supports teachers in creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments that inspire teachers and strengthen educational standards across Bosnia and Herzegovina.  

 Additionally, the UWC Mostar Center for Professional Development encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. As teachers become more effective, the overall quality of education in BiH rises, which can help empower the next generation.