Professional Development for Educators: III UERA Summer School of Resilience
August 11–15, 2025
The Ukrainian Educational Research Association (UERA) aims to promote the development of scientific competence of the researchers in Education field, to raise the quality of educational research to influence the educational system and the society, to exercise and defend the rights and freedoms, meet professional, scientific, social and cultural interests of the Association members (https://www.uera.org.ua/).
The III UERA Summer School took place in August; the program was interesting and engaging. Each day began with yoga practice, a morning run, and physical exercises. Participants of these activities gained energy for the entire day as they had the opportunity to breathe fresh mountain air and enjoy the morning fog typical of mountain terrain.
Experienced presenters from various educational and scientific institutions conducted seminars: “Interactive Learning through Educational Quest,” “Personality Typology in Education: How Socionics Helps Understand and Build Healthy Relationships,” a scientific-cultural quest “Immersion in Historical Environment and Reflective Experience,” and an Erasmus+ project-based masterclass “Where to Start? From Idea to Application.”
Oksana Chugai, Associate Professor of the Department of English for Engineering No. 2, conducted a seminar titled “Storytelling as a Tool for Socio-Emotional Learning for Educators,” during which participants learned about using storytelling techniques in pedagogical practice, discussed responses in groups, and completed individual creative tasks.
Participants of the Summer School had a wide range of additional activities to choose from: rafting, jeep tours, a hike to Dovbush chambers, a trek to the Igrovetz ridge, walking excursions to local history museums, and, of course, lounging (relaxing leisure). They also engaged in a psychological play practice, “The Path to a Dream,” a textile batik workshop with ethnic motifs, and a Podolian painting masterclass.
At the end of the Summer School, the participants presented their projects within the framework of the scientific-cultural quest, conducted a reflection session, and expressed sincere gratitude to the organizing committee, as the goal of the III UERA Summer School of Resilience was successfully achieved.
Oksana Chugai,
Associate Professor
Department of English for Engineering No. 2
