Education for Ethnic Minorities and Cross-Border Communities – Support and Development of Slovenian Language Instruction in Cross-Border Areas and Support and Development of Education for Ethnic Minorities in Slovenia (Croatia)
Professional Workshop for Teachers of Slovenian Language and Culture in Croatia
The implementation of a professional workshop for teachers of Slovenian language and culture in Croatia in 2023 confirms that systematic professional training is crucial for the high-quality teaching of the Slovenian language across various forms of education. The workshop enabled the enhancement of professional knowledge, the development of pedagogical competencies, and a better understanding of the specific challenges teachers face when teaching the Slovenian language in a Croatian environment.
Another important outcome of the program is the strengthened networking among teachers, the exchange of experiences, and the development of joint solutions to improve instruction. Such meetings contribute to greater professional coordination, a better understanding of didactic approaches, and more effective use of teaching materials, which are otherwise in short supply in this field.
The workshop also facilitated an open dialogue between teachers and representatives of Slovenian and Croatian institutions, which is important for a better understanding of the legislative framework, rights, and opportunities for the development of Slovenian language instruction. This strengthens the conditions for a more systematic introduction and expansion of Slovenian language instruction in the Croatian educational system.
The program also had a significant impact on connecting teaching staff with the Slovenian community in Croatia, which is crucial for greater student inclusion, increased visibility of the instruction, and strengthening the role of the Slovenian language in the local environment. Such cooperation also encourages the development of additional activities for children and youth and strengthens intergenerational ties within the community.
Despite its successful implementation, the program highlights persistent challenges, particularly the lack of appropriate teaching materials, the need for ongoing professional development, and staff instability, which affects the continuity of instruction. For this very reason, continued investment in teacher education and the strengthening of institutional support remain essential.
In conclusion, we can emphasize that the professional workshop represents an important contribution to improving the quality of Slovenian language instruction in Croatia and to the long-term preservation of the Slovenian language, culture, and identity. Its added value lies primarily in connecting stakeholders, strengthening teachers’ knowledge, and creating conditions for the further development of Slovenian language instruction in the border region.
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