Empowering Moldovan Educators with Student‑Centred Pedagogy

This spring marked an inspiring milestone for Learning Scoop as we launched our new project funded by United Nations Development Programme Moldova: dedicated to strengthening student-centred pedagogy in Moldova. The Project, Development and implementation of Training of Trainers on contemporary student‑centred teaching and learning methods to facilitate students’ autonomous motivation and the development of 21st century skills. We are genuinely delighted—and proud—to collaborate with UNDP Moldova and dedicated Moldovan educators on this important journey.

The project brings together several key elements: a needs assessment for teachers, a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, professional development for teachers of 15 Model Schools, the design of three in‑service training modules, and organizing a final seminar. At its heart lies a shared goal: modernizing classroom practices, strengthening student-centred pedagogy and supporting the development of essential 21st‑century skills across Moldova.

In March, we had the pleasure of delivering two ToT trainings in Moldova for more than 55 selected and enthusiastic teachers. The programme aimed to equip participants with the latest knowledge and practical knowhow in contemporary, student‑centred teaching. In addition, the training focused on strengthening participants’ instructional design, delivery, and facilitation abilities, as well as preparing them to act confidently as trainers for other Moldovan educators.

Over four intensive days, we explored cutting‑edge research on learning, the key factors that promote learning, multiple multidisciplinary approaches, and the role of teachers as trainers for their colleagues etc. Although grounded in research, the training was highly practical. Participants actively experimented with a wide range of hands‑on, activating, learner‑centred methods—experiencing firsthand what student‑centred learning feels like.

Our trainers, Johanna Järvinen‑Taubert and Hanna Lehikoinen, were deeply impressed by the Moldovan teachers’ openness, professionalism, and strong commitment to developing education in their country. Their curiosity and willingness to try new approaches created a vibrant learning atmosphere. And perhaps best of all: we witnessed genuine joy of learning throughout the training.

The feedback we received was heartwarming. We would like to share one of them with you:

“I want to express my profound gratitude for the exceptional MOLDOVA TOT training program. The experience of learning directly from you was not only educational but truly transformative. I was particularly moved by your professionalism, your openness, and the seamless way in which you translated the core values of Finnish education into such an accessible and captivating format. The perspectives you shared and the collaborative moments we experienced have instilled a renewed energy in all of us, providing invaluable insights for our future endeavors.”

We would like to thank the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, UNDP Moldova, The National Institute for Education and Leadership (INEL) and Kingdom of Norway for your trust and collaboration during this project.

This project will proceed, but the momentum is already strong. We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration and supporting Moldovan educators as they shape engaging, future‑ready learning for their students.