From March 2 to 7 this year, a group of ten first-year master’s students in Physical Education, under the supervision of Regina Kumala, PhD from the Department of Social Foundations of Physical Culture, had the opportunity to complete part of their teaching practice in Italian secondary schools.
Thanks to the Erasmus programme, this year the students were hosted by the following schools in Bergamo:
- Istituto Tecnico Industriale Statale P. Paleocapa,
- Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Mario Rigoni Stern,
- Istituto Statale di Istruzione Superiore “Giulio Natta”.
As part of their placement, the students familiarised themselves with the organisation of the teaching process in Italy, observed physical education classes, and conducted lessons based on their own ideas under the careful supervision of their mentor and teachers. For both sides, this project provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and improve their teaching skills.
Students and pupils also developed their English communication skills and learned basic words from each other’s native languages. The students’ physical education classes were well-received by both students and teachers.
In their free time, the students remained equally active, taking advantage of Bergamo’s attractions, which are conducive to physical activity. They also found time to visit several nearby towns, with Milan being a particularly memorable destination.
Among the words describing the students’ impressions, the following should be highlighted:
- the atmosphere, in which mutual interactions between both sides of the project supported the achievement of the placement’s objectives,
- the openness and kindness of both sides, sharing their knowledge and experience,
- the opportunity to test themselves in a different, not always comfortable environment,
- the opportunity to learn about another culture, especially in terms of customs and Italian cuisine.
According to all participants, the project was a valuable experience, even though it required considerable formal commitment due to participation in the Erasmus programme, and provided an opportunity to gain many additional and useful competencies.
At the end, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the host schools for making this remarkable experience possible. We especially appreciate their openness, kindness, and commitment, which made the students’ stay not only a valuable educational experience but also an inspiring intercultural exchange. We are looking forward to welcoming them to Poland and will do our best to offer as much as we have received.
Videos:
Gallery:
