Innovative Practices in Teachers’ and Students’ Trainings

The present work is dedicated to innovative educational practices, that are based on teaching and learning through the methods of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), combined with the use of various digital tools. These project activities are suitable for implementation in the learning process both in face-to-face and distance learning. They enable the development of communication and collaboration skills, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, as well as the creation of digital content. The described practices and digital tools are used in the preparation of teachers in various qualification courses conducted by the Department for Qualification and Professional Development of Pedagogical Specialists at University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”. They are used and implemented also in education of students in lower-secondary schools (5th – 7th grade). The teaching practices are based on the results of a three-year study of already trained Bulgarian teachers, who try them daily in the learning process and notice their positive impact on students. The article describes a realized STEM project, named “European countries”.