European Schoolnet Podcast

School is one of the first places where young people experience life beyond their families, build relationships, and learn how to engage with others. But schools are more than spaces for academic learning—they are also places where democracy can be lived and experienced every day.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we explore the relationship between schools and democracy through the latest research from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). We are joined by Valeria Damiani and Gabriella Agrusti, professors of education at LUMSA University (Rome) and co-authors of the new book: Enhancing students' civic learning through the development of democratic learning environments. Together, they share insights from their work on civic education and the IEA International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) and offer an exclusive look at their new book, which is available to read now.

Watch or listen to the podcast to discover how democratic learning environments help students become engaged citizens and the crucial role that teachers and education systems play in fostering participation, responsibility, and democratic values in the classroom.

How are European countries approaching the recognition of teacher learning? What challenges are emerging as professional development becomes more digital?
Drawing on insights from the ContinueUP project, this episode explores how recognition systems are adapting to new forms of teacher learning and what this means for the future of professional development across Europe.

This episode explores how the Future Classroom Lab model is beginning to take shape in Greece’s education system. Professor Zacharoula Smyrnaiou and teacher-researcher ZoisAsimakopoulos discuss how the country is promoting innovation in schools through digital tools, teacher collaboration and new innovative learning centres.

How do you introduce AI in classrooms without losing sight of learning? In our latest podcast, Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, explains a phased approach that begins with teacher training, school-level support, and careful experimentation.
Hear the Minister’s perspective in our 15thpodcast episode.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we delve into how schools can cultivate meaningful and ethical data use to drive improvement and informed decision-making. We are joined by Prof. Dr. Kim Schildkamp (University of Twente) and Professor Jan Vanhoof (University of Antwerp) to discuss how data can support school development, the importance of data literacy, and how professional learning and inspection feedback can serve as powerful entry points for reflective practice. Together, they unpack the misconceptions around data use and highlight how a culture of curiosity and collaboration can make data truly work for schools.