ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΤΙΚΩΝ ΑΓΓΛΙΚΗΣ ΓΛΩΣΣΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΦΙΛΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ Ν. ΛΑΡΙΣΑΣ

“Innovating for Good: Developing Lifelong Problem Solvers”

an inspiring workshop by the author, international keynote speaker, Global Teacher Prize winner Michael Soskil

 October 13th 2019, Library of the Municipal Gallery of Larissa

One of the most inspiring and engaging workshops, we have offered to our ETAL members so far.



Michael started his workshop by stating that, as the world becomes increasingly technological, our students will be faced with new ethical and societal challenges. As he said, we must teach them to both identify and solve the unique and unforeseen problems in their future.

Throughout the workshop, the participating educators had the opportunity to explore ways teachers and schools can develop socially conscious problem solvers that prepare for both future careers and a global, technological world.
The participants practised how to make skype connections in their classrooms with experts and schools around the world, so as to raise their students' awareness on global issues (environmental sustainability, right to nutrition and education etc) and thus engage them into real life situations and problem solving. 

They were even called to work in groups to design a bridge for a group of children in Kenya, who could not access school due to a destroyed bridge on their way. 
 

 As Michael mentioned, 

"every problem the world faces has a solution locked in the passions of  our students. Let's give them the keys"

Michael also involved the participants in the amazing experience of a real-time skype geography quiz, in which they had to use 5 cues and solve the riddle of "Where in the world am I?" 

Empathy, emotional intelligence, humanity, creative problem solving and active citizenship were the key notions highlighted by this inspiring educator, who was nominated for the Global Teacher Prize Award by Steven Hawking. 

Teachers can make the difference, as he noted repeatedly, to change people's lives, to change the whole world.

Michael Soskil shared his passion for education and teaching and his workshop reminded us why we became teachers in the first place. 

The participants admitted they were empowered to affect positive change right away, because..
 
 "Teachers, matter! They make the World better"!Michael Soskil

We are immensely grateful to Markella Karagiorga and the American Embassy in Athens for the unique opportunity to host such a passionate educator here in Larissa. Michael's message to all of us resonates long after this workshop was over.