Written by: Bence Horváth
As part of an Erasmus+ Job Shadowing mobility, I had the opportunity to visit Istituto Tecnico Grazia Deledda in Lecce, a technology- and biology-focused high school that provided valuable insights into innovative educational approaches and ways to boost student engagement both inside and outside the classroom.
Discovering the Cultural Heritage of Lecce
The mobility began with a self-guided cultural excursion through the historic centre of Lecce, allowing for an immersion into the city’s rich cultural heritage. The spectacular architectural achievements of the town truly make it a jewel of the region and leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Observing English Language Teaching
During my days at the hosting institution, one of the key highlights was observing English language classes, which was particularly relevant because of our own bilingual specialization. It was interesting to compare teaching methods and student participation in a different educational context.
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An Inspiring Student-Built Greenhouse
One of the most memorable experiences was being introduced to the school’s student-built greenhouse.
Learning Through Sustainability
This innovative teaching and collaborative space includes soil samples collected during field trips to nearby beaches to study sand composition and the extent of plastic pollution in the area. The greenhouse also features a fish aquarium and a wide variety of plants.
Encouraging Responsibility and Environmental Awareness
Each student is responsible for taking care of their own plant under teacher supervision, promoting responsibility and environmental awareness among students. I found this eco-conscious initiative truly inspiring and believe it is a model worth adapting in our own institution in some form.
Erasmus+ Job Shadowing and Inclusive Education
Another important aspect of the visit was gaining insight into how the school supports students with special educational needs, including those on the autism spectrum and students with learning difficulties or other challenges.
Their inclusive approach focuses on involving these students in classroom activities alongside their peers, with the support of dedicated teaching assistants who provide individualized guidance. This ensures that every student can play a meaningful role in school life.
Exploring Southern Italy
Beyond the school experience, the mobility also gave me the opportunity to visit nearby cities such as Bari, Otranto, and Polignano a Mare.
The well-connected and efficient train service in southern Italy made these journeys comfortable and enjoyable while also highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly travel options.
