TPM in Alden Biesen, Belgium
Sunday, 23 April 2023 Participants arrived at Alden Biesen, a historical site in Belgium, offering a beautiful setting for collaboration. The evening concluded with a welcome dinner at De Boomgaerd, allowing for informal networking and discussions before the official start of the meeting.
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Monday, 24 April 2023 The first official meeting day began with breakfast at Guillaume Claes, followed by a presentation of survey results by each partner. This session provided an overview of the collected data, leading to general conclusions about the project's impact and areas for improvement.
Next, a proposal for the E-course was introduced. The discussion covered the course content, objectives, and implementation strategy, ensuring that it aligns with the project’s goals of enhancing reading comprehension skills through structured methodologies.
An action plan was developed for writing out Close Reading lessons. Participants collaborated on defining key instructional components and methodologies to be integrated into the lessons.
After lunch, a surprise activity was organized at Alden Biesen, allowing participants to explore the site and enjoy its surroundings. In the afternoon, the development of Close Reading lessons continued, with a focus on refining content and ensuring usability in diverse educational settings. The evening concluded with dinner and informal networking at Kapelanij & Lounge.
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Tuesday, 25 April 2023 The day started with a session on the IREAD game. Participants reviewed the game's development, provided structured feedback, and discussed further refinements. An online session with "Play It" allowed for additional input from developers, ensuring that the game's next iteration aligns with pedagogical objectives.
Following a short break, the project website was presented and discussed. Participants reviewed its structure, ensuring it effectively communicates project goals and resources to educators and stakeholders.
In the afternoon, participants visited Borgloon, a nearby town known for its scenic beauty. The visit included a relaxing walk through the blossoming orchards of Haspengouw, offering breathtaking views of the spring landscape. Participants also explored the historical town center, with its charming streets, unique artwork installations, and cultural landmarks, making for an inspiring and refreshing break from the intensive work sessions. The day ended with dinner and informal discussions at T Lindje.
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Wednesday, 26 April 2023 The final day focused on the continued development of Close Reading lessons, specifically refining materials for integration into the IREAD game.
Practical arrangements were made, including planning the next TPM, organizing final testing of the project components, and discussing the content of the third project newsletter. The meeting concluded with an evaluation of TPM3, where participants reflected on progress made and next steps.
A farewell lunch at Guillaume Claes marked the end of a productive meeting, reinforcing the strong collaboration within the team.
Conclusion TPM3 successfully advanced several key aspects of the IREAD project, including the refinement of Close Reading lessons, the development of the E-course, and the evaluation of the IREAD game. The meeting also facilitated discussions on project dissemination through the website and newsletter.
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Alden Biesen provided an inspiring setting for this collaborative effort, and participants enjoyed the opportunity to witness the region’s famous blossoms during their stay. The visit to Borgloon, with its picturesque orchards and historical town center, added a memorable cultural and scenic experience to the meeting. The project now moves forward with further refinements and preparations for the next TPM, ensuring that all developed materials are ready for implementation.
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