Innovating Initial Teacher Education: faculty members’ engagement in eTwinning

Abstract

The personal characteristics of teachers can be catalysts for their own and others’ learning, as much as their knowledge and competences. It explains why «the first and foremost resources teachers use are themselves» (Caena, 2014, p. 2). The selection, preparation and guidance of teachers throughout initial teacher education and the following stages of their careers are therefore crucial. This study involved faculty members teaching in Primary Education Degree Course at University of Palermo during the academic year 2021- 2022 and it aims at introducing and promoting eTwinning networking platform in higher education. It also aims at increasing the involvement of university teachers, PhD students and tutor teachers in eTwinning by encouraging learning, acquiring more knowledge, skills, civic attitudes, positive socio-emotional impact and teaching strategies eTwinning in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) is a perfect example of how it is possible to stimulate the professional and career development of the new generation of university teachers.