Teaching innovation in early years and primary education teacher training Degrees. Giving meaning and context to classroom learning in the urban environment

Abstract

This paper describes an innovation project developed during the 2015/16 academic year within the context of the subjects Co-existence within the School and Culture of Peace studied as part of the Early Years and Primary Education Teacher Training Degree Courses taught at the University of Cordoba. The aim has been to put students in contact with social and cultural organisations, associations and collectives in the city so that they are able to incorporate into the classroom critical analysis of the most relevant issues in today’s society. This project is also working to provide an instrument for teaching reflection. The utility of this project includes: improving student learning, transcending the mere transmission of knowledge in the classroom and moving towards the generation of learning experiences outside the classroom as well; and increasing coordination between university faculty members as a group and also between these faculty members and social agents in the city.