In classrooms today, teaching is about more than knowledge. It’s about understanding people — how they think, feel, and interact with one another. Soft skills and emotional intelligence are central to this, shaping how teachers connect with students and how students learn to navigate the world.

​From 20–26 July 2025, a group of educators from across Europe gathered in Bologna to take part in the course Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence for Teachers and Education Staff. Participants included Eugenia (IES Jordi Sant Jordi, Spain), Sergio and Paulo (Agrupamento de Escolas General Serpa Pinto – Cinfaes, Portugal), Éva (Bethlen Gábor Református Gimnázium és Szathmáry Kollégium, Hungary), Thomas (Main-Limes-Realschule, Germany), Énio (University of Madeira, Portugal), Laure (Lycée agricole de Brioude-Bonnefont, France), Amaya and Marta (IES San Andrés, Spain), as well as Miriam and Catalina (IES Porto Cristo, Spain).

The week began with reflections on what it really means to talk about competences. Teachers discussed the difference between knowledge, skills, and attitudes — and why this distinction matters in everyday teaching. The group also looked at the broader set of skills students need in the 21st century, before putting empathy and attentive listening into practice through interactive exercises.
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Next, attention turned to emotional intelligence. Drawing on models of self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy, participants explored practical ways to help students recognize and manage emotions. Hands-on activities showed how theory can be translated into classroom practice, giving teachers concrete tools for encouraging emotional literacy.
Midweek, the focus shifted to teamwork and leadership. Participants explored how different leadership styles can influence classroom climate and student engagement. Through collaborative activities, they put their new insights into practice, reflecting on roles within a team and how to strengthen professional relationships.

The following sessions encouraged participants to think creatively about group dynamics and communication. One highlight was the use of structured thinking methods to explore how different perspectives can coexist in a conversation. The day also featured public speaking practice, with teachers working on body language, clarity, and confidence.
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The final stage of the course centered on comunicação e conflict management. Participants examined different styles of handling disagreement and learned strategies for turning tension into constructive dialogue. Practical role-play helped bring these skills to life, with an emphasis on assertive communication e respectful expression.
By the end of the week, participants left with more than just strategies for the classroom. They gained a deeper sense of how inteligência emocional e competências transversais shape the everyday experiences of both teachers and students. The exchange of perspectives across countries enriched the discussions, making the week not only a professional training but also a shared journey in understanding the human side of education.

Saiba mais sobre este curso aqui.
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