MODULE 3: Physics
Successful Conclusion of the Final Teachers for Future 2 In-Person Workshops
31.01.-02.02.2025.
On February 2nd 2025 we marked the successful completion of the in-person workshops of the Teachers for Future 2 project, with the final module dedicated to Physics. The module began with an online introductory session featuring Lamija Tanović, physicist and co-founder of UWC Mostar. She provided valuable insights into the education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a particular focus on the teaching of Physics.
We were delighted to engage with educators from various participating schools and hear their perspectives on the strengths and challenges of the local education system. Having Mrs. Tanović as our distinguished guest speaker was a true privilege.
For the final in-person sessions, we welcomed 18 teachers from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing Mostar, Brčko, Stolac, Ilijaš, Hadžići, Sarajevo, Višegrad, Novi Travnik, Donji Vakuf, Tuzla, Velika Kladuša, Bihać, Visoko, and Breza.
UWC Mostar facilitators, Miljan Rupar (IB DP Physics) and Elmir Čatrnja (IB DP Mathematics), led interactive workshops on Introduction and Methods in IB Physics, Experimental Work in IB Physics, and The Definiteness of Science.
As with previous modules, this was a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore possibilities for collaboration with our guest educators.
MODULE 2: Chemistry
29.11.-01.12.2024.
This weekend we spent implementing workshops with the topics from Chemistry Module.
We were joined by 23 participants who our facilitators, Chemistry teachers Amina Čolaković and Jasminka Omerović welcomed warmly.
They designed four workshops:
- Systems of evaluation and assessment of knowledge in Chemistry teaching
- Experiments in Chemistry teaching
- Methods of study in Chemistry teaching – positive examples from practice
- Use of Information Technology in Chemistry teaching – Positive examples from practice
Facilitators and participants enjoyed the exchange of knowledge and positive examples from practice. We were more than happy to welcome participants from 16 cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Brčko, Stolac, Livno, Kupres, Hadžići, Sarajevo, Višegrad, Novi Travnik, Donji Vakuf, Tuzla, Živinice, Velika Kladuša, Bihać, Visoko, Maglaj and Breza.
MODULE 1: Biology
27.09.2024-29.09.2024.
A wonderful weekend passed executing workshops for Biology teachers from all over BiH: Brčko, Kupres, Vogošća, Ilijaš, Višegrad, Novi Travnik, Jajce, Donji Vakuf, Tuzla, Živinice, Livno, Velika Kladuša, Bihać, Visoko, Maglaj, Breza, Stolac, Sarajevo and Mostar.
The following topics were covered:
- Systems of Evaluation and Assessment of Knowledge in Biology, Selma Šarančić, IB DP Biology
- Experimental Teaching in Biology, Hatidža Zaklan IB DP Biology
- Systemic Thinking in Practice, Emina Alibegović Džiho, IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies, Theory of Knowledge
- Holistic Approach to Environmental Studies, Emina Alibegović Džiho, IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies, Theory of Knowledge
TEACHERS FOR FUTURE 2 PROJECT
Implemented by UWC Mostar's Center for Professional Development of Teachers, the "Teachers for Future 2" program is a professional development initiative for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics teachers throughout 2024/2025 academic year. The project is carried out by UWC Germany and financially supported by the Schmitz Foundation.
The invitation to participate was open to all high schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a total of 25 schools are selected to participate in the program. Each school nominated three teachers (subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Hence, 75 teachers ( 25 Physics, 25 Biology, 25 Chemistry ) are selected from local public schools across all regions and provinces of BiH to participate in this training program, learn new educational approaches, and jointly develop pedagogical materials in their STEM fields of study.
Selection was based on geographical diversity, with an emphasis on including schools from smaller towns that had not previously participated in the TFF project in 2020/2021 (TFF 1 focused on teachers of Mathematics, English language, and Arts.).
TFF 2 includes three modules, each one consisting of 4 parts: an online introductory workshop, three-day in-person training in Mostar, a dissemination webinar, and an online wrap-up/evaluation workshop,. All three modules are dedicated to the three selected subjects respectfully.
The modules are designed to be highly intensive and participatory, with the maximum opportunity for dialogue, debate, and analysis in seminar style to provide participants with concrete ideas to take back into the classroom and become agents of educational reform in BiH.
"The workshops were very useful. Practical work in the teaching of biology has a very important role, and unfortunately, many schools do not have adequate teaching resources to realize it. Our dear professors at the workshops showed us how practical work can be realized with little resources and effort." - Tanja Vasilić- participant in the Biology workshop
"The workshops were creative and interesting. The way everything was designed and presented was interesting and held the attention of all participants. It inspired me personally to work better and more thoroughly at work."- Alma Buljubašić- participant in the Chemistry workshop
"We rarely have the opportunity to socialize with colleagues from our field, mainly because each school usually has only one physics teacher, making it difficult to exchange experiences within the profession. The role of a teacher is irreplaceable, which was clearly evident from the experiences of online teaching during the pandemic. It is important for us, both as individuals and professionals, to continuously improve, and gatherings and seminars like this are great for that." - Mojmir Džaja - Participant in the Physics workshop