“Innovative Teaching Methods, Informal Education and Project-Based Learning in Adult Education”

The role of an adult educator goes far beyond simply delivering information; it also involves inspiring participation, fostering creativity, and strengthening critical thinking among learners. Contemporary education increasingly values informal learning, teamwork, and hands-on experiences that enhance independence and motivation. By integrating modern teaching strategies with project-based and interactive learning, educators can build more dynamic and meaningful learning experiences for adult participants.

This approach was at the heart of the latest edition of the course “Innovative Teaching Methods in Informal Education”, realizada em Tenerife de 12/04/2026 to 18/04/2026. The participants came from Polónia and represented UTA Jaworzno, UTA Łowicz and UTA Akademia Seniora, including Jadwiga, Janina, Teresa, Krystyna, Halina, Marzena, Bożena, Anna and Krystyna.

The course opened with an overview of the training programme and a discussion about participants’ needs and expectations. Attendees shared the challenges they face in their teaching practice and reflected on the obstacles that can limit innovation in adult education. A strong emphasis was placed on informal learning, highlighting the value of experience-based activities, cooperation, and practical engagement that stimulate active participation.

A key element of the programme focused on developing 21st-century competences such as teamwork, adaptability, creativity and critical thinking. Participants analysed their own teaching approaches and took part in exercises designed to encourage creative and analytical thinking in adult learners. Several sessions were devoted to planning informal learning activities that boost engagement and promote reflection within groups.

Another important topic explored was Aprendizagem baseada em projetos as an effective way to enhance learner autonomy and responsibility. Participants discovered how to organise educational projects, formulate guiding questions that spark involvement, and plan sequences of project activities. They also created small educational projects and experimented with peer evaluation and teamwork techniques that strengthen collaboration. 

The training introduced educação ao ar livre as a powerful tool for experiential learning. Through group tasks and cooperative challenges, participants experienced how learning in outdoor settings can support personal growth, problem-solving abilities and team cooperation.

Gamification and game-based learning were also highlighted as motivating strategies in adult education. Participants tested educational games, designed their own gamified activities, and explored how features such as challenges, points and friendly competitions can increase motivation and engagement.

During the entire training week, participants exchanged experiences, developed new teaching strategies and reflected on how to apply innovative methods in their own organisations. The course ended with a review of learning outcomes, discussions about future cooperation and a certificate ceremony celebrating the competences gained.

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