The seminar entitled “Social educators in the primary school – why school is about more than teaching. A look at the Danish tradition of social educators” and “EMBODIED TEACHING AND LEARNING – Movement integrated in teaching – Learning in movement – a Danish perspective – Experience of the potential of learning in and through movement”, which was organized with the cooperation of Marmara University International Office and Marmara University Atatürk Faculty of Education Department of Elementary Education Department of Preschool Education, was held by our guests from University College Cophenagen (UCC) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Klaus Kofoed-Heller and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jøm Axel Dam.

In the seminar, whose opening speech was made by The Dean of Atatürk Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Seyfi Kenan and the Head of the Department of Preschool Education Prof. Dr. Ozana Ural, the topics of the role of pedagogists in the education in Denmark and embodied teaching and learning were discussed, and examples of practice were experienced with the participation of the audience. The speakers pointed out the following concerning the practice they did:

Pedagogists working with children in Denmark are following a special professional tradition, unlike teachers and social service workers. Pedagogists are aiming to provide children with the opportunity to be raised as free and conscious individuals. Pedagogists do not only work at institutes, but also participate in extracurricular activities at primary schools. Most of the work that pedagogists carry out with children comprise practices done in nature or open school.   

One of these practices is the in-class and out-of class physical / sporting activities. Since the effect of motor development is significant in the foundation of learning, the use of in-class and out-of class sporting activities is critically important in supporting the thinking skills and revealing the potential of the students.

Besides, the practice of open school in Denmark means the opening of the school to the surrounding society as part of the pedagogical approach. This situation is not only beneficial to the children and the environment, but it also creates a holistic approach at school.   

The seminar ended after the speakers were given certificates of participation and the presents prepared by Marmara University International Office in memory of the day.