From February 17-20, 2025, a team of leaders and teachers from Pabradė “Rytas” Gymnasium, Pabradė city, Lithuania participated in a traineeship in Finland and Estonia as part of the Millennium Schools (TŪM) programme. The visit aimed to explore best practices in leadership, inclusive education, cultural education, and STEAM learning while strengthening teamwork and collaboration skills.
Day 1: STEAM Education at Heureka Science Center and Finnish School Visit
The traineeship began with a visit to Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre in Vantaa, where educators deepened their understanding of STEAM education. The center showcased cutting-edge scientific achievements and interactive exhibitions, allowing teachers to engage in hands-on research and experimentation. Later, at an international school in Espoo, community adviser Justina Gimbutienė introduced the participants to the Finnish education system, emphasizing inclusive education, leadership, and mentoring practices. Teachers explored the school’s innovative learning spaces designed to foster student development.
Day 2: STEAM Workshop on Virus Geometry and Robotics
The second day featured a creative STEAM workshop led by Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi STEAM Director of Experience Workshop and a researcher at the Finnish Institute for Educational Research. Teachers participated in an experiential session on virus geometry and STEAM, where they built COVID-19 virus models and robots. Using a mobile app, these robots competed in football matches, providing a unique way to integrate multiple STEAM subjects.
Day 3: Innovative Learning Spaces in Estonia
The final day took the team to Tallinn House State Upper Secondary School, known for its futuristic design and student-centered approach. The school’s modern learning spaces resemble a spacecraft, and classrooms are named after planets. Innovative teaching methods focus on student choices and collaboration with universities, where lessons take place. Mentors play a key role in monitoring students’ emotional well-being and addressing challenges together.
Cultural Exploration and Reflection
Beyond the classroom, educators explored the Old Towns of Helsinki and Tallinn, examining architectural and design elements that contribute to cultural education. This experience provided deeper insights into how historical and artistic influences shape learning environments.
Throughout the traineeship, participants observed both differences and similarities in educational content and infrastructure between Finland, Estonia, and their own gymnasium. The knowledge gained will be integrated into the teaching and learning process at Pabradė “Rytas” Gymnasium and shared with educators across the district during Methodological Day.
This project was funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Social Fund Agency under the Millennium Schools programme.
Prepared by: Zita Čičiurkienė, Leadership Coordinator, Pabradė “Rytas” Gymnasium
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