Millions to the University for international project on learning environments

A new international research and development project will investigate how the physical environment of schools can be designed and used to best support teaching and student learning.
- The physical school environment is often taken for granted in Sweden. Learning environments are almost invisible in policy documents, curricula and school laws. This makes it particularly exciting to compare how other European countries work with these issues," says Anneli Frelin, professor of education at the University of Gävle.

The project covers a total of SEK 16 million over three years, and a total of ten partner organizations from seven European countries are involved. For the University of Gävle, the participation means funding corresponding to approximately SEK 4 million. Anneli Frelin, Jan Grannäs and Wenche Mörck Riekki are participating from the University.

Policy part in focus

The project starts with a comprehensive policy analysis in each participating country, where the University of Gävle collaborates with the Italian National Agency for School Development and Research (INDIRE). The results of the analysis will then form the basis for comparative analyses at European level.

- "It is an extremely complex project with many perspectives. We are already working on the first work package and it will be very interesting to see what our colleagues in the other countries come up with," says Jan Grannäs, associate professor of education at the University of Gävle.

The work will be done in stages: first a survey of policy and legislation, then interviews and surveys with school leaders, teachers, authorities and other stakeholders. The results will lead to a joint report aimed at influencing European teacher training and a European handbook for school leaders on how innovative and sustainable learning environments can be designed and used.

Exchanges and training

In addition to the policy component, an in-service training program for school activities in Europe is being developed. An important part of this is international cooperation, and for the University of Gävle this includes exchange opportunities for teachers and principals in Gävleborg with schools in Spain and Greece.

- "Being able to offer the region's teachers and school leaders both research-based knowledge and international exchange is a great added value. We can learn a lot from learning from the experiences of others and comparing ourselves with others," says Wenche Mörck Riekki, lecturer in education.