5 participants of our course “Effective Classroom Management Strategies for teachers and education staff” were trying to find the answer to this question during the week from 18/07 to 24/07. Our participants came to Bologna from educational institutes in different countries: Niculina and Mihaela from Liceul De Informatica Tiberiu Popoviciu; Domagoj from Inicijativa | za engleski jezik i kulturu; Aleksandra from II LO im. M. Kopernika Cieszyn and Daniela Scuola Media Balerna.
After sharing their expectations, contributions, and fears, they started to discuss what a Supportive Classroom is like. The teachers shared their opinions based on their experience from the school routine. One of the most interesting topic for them was the relevance of Social Emotional Learning in creating a supportive classroom and the importance of teaching our students about Emotional Intelligence, a concept developed in great details by D. Goleman. We explored the 5 pillars of EI: self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, social skills and empathy. During the practical exercises, they created awareness maps, worked as “emotional investigators” to feel other person emotions and feelings, and practiced their empathic communication.  
Later on, the group moved to the topic of Group Dynamics, another essential detail to look after when strengthening Classroom  Management skills. There were discussed supportive classroom settings with the funniest membership and collaborative activities, which were evaluated as helpful and valuable both for school and everyday life. Besides that, exercises about growth mindset was a big part of practical language activities. Then, the group explored several Differentiating Instruction methods: our participants spent the day reflecting how to make their lessons more interesting, cooperation with pupils more productive and how to create a motivating environment for everyone by analyzing 4 elements of teaching: content, product, process and environment. 
Then it was time to practice different ICT tools, an essential support to a Flipped Classroom approach. They had the opportunity to test one tool for video lessons, one tool for studying and revising concepts and one final tool to share interesting resources in a more engaging way. One the last day, we delved in Conflict Management conversations, specifically how to approach the conflict and communicate during the conflict. Teachers concluded the part by putting to test their conflict management skills taking part in a role play. To celebrate the ending of our week together, the group made a summarizing collage which presented everything they learnt during this active and effective week of training.  
Of course they studied a lot, but during their free time, they also had the chance to explore Bologna city centre and parks, Florence and even the Italian seaside! After all, it’s summertime in Italy and this can only mean sun, travelling and ice-creams!
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What better way to conclude if not by leaving the last words to one of our participants?  
“It was a very well organised course focused on applied practical activities with an incredible teacher Giulia and her assistants. As well the cultural activities, accommodation, satisfaction and growth guaranteed!”

Want to hear the experience from the point of view of one of our participants? No problem! Have a look at the article Domagoj wrote about his week in Bologna :)