Today, it is essential to explore a variety of non-formal teaching methods and strategies in order to better understand their potential for improving the effectiveness of education. By moving beyond the physical boundaries of the traditional classroom, non-formal education offers alternative approaches that can play a key role in preventing early school leaving. As defined by Philip Coombs (1973), non-formal education is “any organized educational activity outside the established formal system—whether operating independently or as part of a broader initiative—designed to serve specific learning groups and objectives.

The new edition of the course “Innovative Education Through Non-Formal Methods and Strategies” took place in Palermo from 25/08/2025. The participants joined from across Europe, with Merje Platzer and Maria Hofer from Katholisches Bildungswerk Kärnten in Austria; Ekaterina Wadewitz from Oberschule Markranstädt in Germany; Stanislava Arsić, Aleksandra Filipović, and Dejan Orolić from Gimnazija u Kruševcu in Serbia; and Maria Andreou and Christina Koulour from ADHD Hellas in Greece.

We began the course by exploring visual strategies. Through activities such as creating collages and illustrating selected topics, participants used art and creative thinking to express ideas metaphorically. These visual exercises showed us how art can serve as a simple yet powerful tool to spark discussion and convey even complex or sensitive concepts in an accessible way.

Next, we explored how role-playing activities and storytelling can be applied to better understand the consequences of specific behaviors within a given context. These methods also proved useful in reflecting on the unique contributions each individual can bring when placed in a particular role.

We also emphasized the value of team building and collaborative work in education. Working together not only enhances productivity but also allows every member to actively contribute their strengths and ideas to the group.

Debate and speaking games represent another form of non-formal educational activity. These activities help strengthen cooperative learning while promoting a structured, dialectical approach. By taking part in the Oxford Debate, participants enhanced their creativity in crafting unconventional yet persuasive arguments and gained valuable experience in collaborating effectively with others.

After exploring various tools and strategies of non-formal education together, each participant was given the chance to independently design a new tool tailored for their own school context. Thanks to their creativity and dedication, the course concluded with a collection of practical and innovative tools developed by the teachers themselves.

In summary, over the course of these days, participants were able to explore innovative methods within a supportive and stimulating environment. They strengthened skills such as teamwork, empathy, and critical thinking, while also having the opportunity to develop original and creative non-formal educational tools.

Discover more about this course here.