Erasmus+ training and job shadowing are both valuable professional development opportunities for educators, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct learning experiences. Erasmus+ training typically involves structured courses, workshops, or conferences with formal learning objectives, while job shadowing focuses on observation-based learning through following experienced educators in their daily work. Understanding these differences helps educators choose the most suitable option for their professional development goals and learning preferences.
What exactly is Erasmus+ training and how does it work?
Erasmus+ training consists of structured professional development programmes designed for education professionals across Europe. These programmes include formal courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences that focus on specific teaching methods, educational technologies, or pedagogical approaches within a structured learning environment.
The European education framework supports these initiatives by providing funding for eligible participants, including teachers, school leaders, and educational support staff. Participants typically engage in interactive learning sessions with expert facilitators, collaborate with international colleagues, and receive formal certificates upon completion.
The application process involves submitting proposals through your institution’s Erasmus+ coordinator, outlining learning objectives and expected outcomes. Training programmes usually last between three and five days and cover topics such as digital teaching tools, inclusive education practices, or innovative classroom management techniques. Participants benefit from structured curricula designed to address specific educational challenges and contemporary teaching needs.
What is job shadowing and what does it involve for educators?
Job shadowing is an observation-based professional development approach in which educators follow and observe experienced colleagues in their natural working environment. This hands-on learning method allows participants to witness real classroom situations, teaching strategies, and daily educational practices without formal instruction or structured curricula.
During job shadowing experiences, educators observe authentic teaching moments, participate in staff meetings, and engage in informal discussions about pedagogical approaches. The duration typically ranges from one to five days, providing sustained exposure to different educational environments and teaching cultures.
We offer comprehensive job shadowing programmes in Finnish schools, where international educators can observe innovative teaching methods, student-centred approaches, and digital integration in authentic classroom settings. Participants gain practical insights into educational systems, classroom management techniques, and peer learning approaches that they can adapt to their own teaching contexts. The experience includes opportunities for reflection and informal mentoring from host teachers.
What are the key differences between Erasmus+ training and job shadowing programmes?
The primary differences lie in structure, learning approach, and participant involvement. Erasmus+ training follows formal curricula with predetermined learning outcomes, while job shadowing offers flexible, observation-based experiences tailored to individual interests and real-time classroom situations.
Training programmes provide structured knowledge transfer through presentations, workshops, and guided activities with measurable learning objectives. Participants actively engage in discussions, complete exercises, and receive formal documentation of their achievements. These programmes suit educators seeking specific skills or theoretical knowledge in particular areas.
Job shadowing emphasises experiential learning through observation and informal interaction. Participants witness authentic educational practices, adapt their observations to personal contexts, and benefit from spontaneous learning opportunities. This approach works well for educators seeking practical inspiration, cultural understanding, or insights into different educational systems.
The outcomes differ significantly: training programmes deliver structured competencies and formal qualifications, while job shadowing provides practical wisdom, cultural awareness, and adaptable teaching ideas. Budget considerations also vary, with training programmes often involving higher costs for expert facilitators and structured materials, whereas job shadowing typically requires lower investment while offering authentic learning experiences.
Which option should educators choose for their professional development goals?
The choice depends on individual learning preferences, professional objectives, and available resources. Educators seeking specific skills, formal qualifications, or structured knowledge should consider Erasmus+ training programmes, while those seeking practical inspiration, cultural insights, or authentic classroom experiences benefit more from job shadowing opportunities.
Consider training programmes if you need expertise in particular areas such as digital tools, assessment methods, or inclusive education practices. These structured experiences work well for educators with limited time who want focused learning outcomes and formal recognition of their professional development efforts.
Choose job shadowing when you want to understand different educational cultures, observe innovative teaching approaches in practice, or gain inspiration for classroom management techniques. This option suits educators who learn best through observation and prefer flexible, authentic experiences over formal instruction.
Budget and time constraints also influence the decision. Job shadowing often provides more cost-effective professional development while delivering rich, practical learning experiences. Many educators find that combining both approaches over time creates comprehensive professional development, using training for specific skill acquisition and job shadowing for broader educational inspiration and cultural understanding.
