European Schoolnet Podcast

In the latest episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we explore how the Future Classroom Lab (FCL) model is helping Slovenia transform a former coal-mining region into a hub for innovative, inclusive and sustainable learning.We are joined by Nataša Grošelj, Project Manager of the PREPLET project and FCL Ambassador for Slovenia, as well as Martin Šikovc, Head of the Zasavje Just Transition Center. Together, they discuss the mission of the PREPLET project, the importance of education in the EU’s Just Transition Mechanism, and the role of the Future Classroom Lab in helping schools move towards more modern, inclusive and innovative learning.🎧 Listen to the podcast to discover how collaboration, future-focused skills and education are helping shape a new future for Slovenia’s Zasavje region.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we explore how to teach and learn mathematics with meaning, drawing on the latest evidence from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and its Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), as well as the OECD’s latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 Results.

We are joined by Jennie Golding and Rachel Marks, professors of mathematics at University College London and authors of Teaching and Learning Mathematics with Meaning, the latest volume in the IEA Research for Educators series. Together, they discuss what international research can tell us about mathematics education today, the challenges facing learners, and how to translate evidence into practical strategies that teachers can apply in the classroom.

Listen to the podcast to discover why mathematics matters for students’ future opportunities—and how we can better support teachers in making mathematics more meaningful and engaging.

School is one of the first places where young people experience life beyond their families, build relationships, and learn how to engage with others. But schools are more than spaces for academic learning—they are also places where democracy can be lived and experienced every day.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we explore the relationship between schools and democracy through the latest research from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). We are joined by Valeria Damiani and Gabriella Agrusti, professors of education at LUMSA University (Rome) and co-authors of the new book: Enhancing students' civic learning through the development of democratic learning environments. Together, they share insights from their work on civic education and the IEA International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) and offer an exclusive look at their new book, which is available to read now.

Watch or listen to the podcast to discover how democratic learning environments help students become engaged citizens and the crucial role that teachers and education systems play in fostering participation, responsibility, and democratic values in the classroom.

How are European countries approaching the recognition of teacher learning? What challenges are emerging as professional development becomes more digital?

Drawing on insights from the ContinueUP project, this episode explores how recognition systems are adapting to new forms of teacher learning and what this means for the future of professional development across Europe.

This episode explores how the Future Classroom Lab model is beginning to take shape in Greece’s education system. Professor Zacharoula Smyrnaiou and teacher-researcher ZoisAsimakopoulos discuss how the country is promoting innovation in schools through digital tools, teacher collaboration and new innovative learning centres.

How do you introduce AI in classrooms without losing sight of learning? In our latest podcast, Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, explains a phased approach that begins with teacher training, school-level support, and careful experimentation.

Hear the Minister’s perspective in our 15thpodcast episode.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we delve into how schools can cultivate meaningful and ethical data use to drive improvement and informed decision-making. We are joined by Prof. Dr. Kim Schildkamp (University of Twente) and Professor Jan Vanhoof (University of Antwerp) to discuss how data can support school development, the importance of data literacy, and how professional learning and inspection feedback can serve as powerful entry points for reflective practice. Together, they unpack the misconceptions around data use and highlight how a culture of curiosity and collaboration can make data truly work for schools.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we delve into how artificial intelligence is transforming education and its implications for children’s rights.We speak with Sonia Livingstone and Dr. Ayça Atabey from the Digital Futures for Children Centre (a collaboration between the London School of Economics and the Five Rights Foundation) about their recent report, 'A Child Rights Audit on Gen-AI in EdTech'. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI tools into schools.

In this episode, we travel to Luxembourg to explore how the Future Classroom Lab model is being brought to life in a national context. Our guests, Sarah Monfils and Chris Krier from the Institut de Formation de l'Éducation Nationale, share how schools are navigating linguistic diversity, supporting teacher development, and integrating digital tools and AI with purpose. Tune in to hear how Luxembourg is turning challenges into opportunities, and what its experience can teach the rest of Europe.

How are schools in Finland and Denmark rethinking learning environments to better prepare students for the future?

In this episode, we are joined by Sampo Forsström, educational developer at the University of Eastern Finland, and Martin Thun Klausen, pedagogical IT consultant at University College Copenhagen. Both are national ambassadors for the Future Classroom Lab (FCL), a model that promotes innovation in education across Europe.

Together, they discuss how the FCL approach is being implemented in their countries, from teacher training and educational technologies to the design of flexible, interactive learning spaces. The conversation also explores the importance of national strategies, local autonomy, and teacher engagement in scaling change. As they reflect on successes and challenges, we get a glimpse into what it takes to build future-ready schools in practice.