Erasmus+ Training: Engaging classrooms with game-based learning and STEAM - International Summer School

Edutainment aims to make learning fun and engaging for students. Gamification and game-based learning (GBL) are both used in the classroom to support this goal and to foster the development of transversal skills. In addition, these approaches can be powerful tools to create personalized learning pathways and inclusive learning environments for all students.

About the training

In this Erasmus+ training course, game-based activities, STEAM-inspired projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and hands-on experimentation will be shared and practiced with participants. Starting from specific class profiles, participants will learn to identify and design the most effective strategies to respond to students’ diverse needs, increase motivation, and support meaningful, active and collaborative learning.

Particular attention will be given to designing playful STEAM activities – such as challenges, missions, role-play and digital or unplugged educational games – that integrate multiple disciplines and encourage creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. Participants will explore how to use these methodologies both for teaching and for formative assessment, providing immediate feedback and supporting differentiated and student-centered instruction.

The themes of GBL, gamification and STEAM will be explored as tools to personalise educational activities across multiple disciplines and skills. Through different case studies presented day by day, the course will foster discussion while taking into account the participants’ experiences and perspectives. Exchanging with teachers from across Europe will enrich the experience, making participants active contributors in adapting examples and formats to diverse school contexts. 

Contents and training are designed by G-Lab S.r.l. Impresa Sociale, a recognized institution for teachers’ training by the Italian Ministry of Education, holding accreditation by the Emilia Romagna Region for lifelong learning and ISO 9001 Quality Certification. The program is enriched by the guidance and direct experience of teachers from Scuola delle Idee Marino Golinelli, the first STEAM school in Italy that G-Lab owns and manages. The program is tailored to be fully funded by Erasmus+ KA1 funding and ensures the best quality within Erasmus quality standards.

Course Details 🎯

📆 27-31 July 2026
📍 Bologna, Opificio Golinelli
💶 550€/participant (includes course materials, certificate of attendance, coffee breaks, lunches from Monday to Friday and a light aperitif on Tuesday). 
🇪🇺 Participants with a Erasmus+ KA1 grant, will receive support in the validation of the Europass Mobility Document and a certificate in line with Erasmus+ Quality Standards
👩‍🏫Lower, upper-secondary school and VET teachers
🗣️ Language: English

Programme🗓️

Day 1 - INTRODUCTION TO GAMES AND STEAM APPROACH 🧩

From 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

• Registration and welcome session
• Guided tour of Fondazione Golinelli labs and educational spaces
• LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop: structured discussion on the meaning and practices of games and STEAM in education
• Retrospective of the day/ Lunch 

Day 2 -  GAMES AS A TEACHING METHOD 👩‍🏫

From 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.

• Visit to Scuola delle Idee Marino Golinelli 
• Reflection and application: Difference between Gamification and Game-based learning
• Reflection and application: Game-based learning between analogic and digital
• Reflection and application: Personalisation paths in GBL
• Lunch  
• From 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
• Interactive STEAM city game to discover Bologna’s cultural traits 
• Aperitif

Day 3 - PLAYING WITH BIODIVERSITY 🍃

From 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.

• Introduction to the classroom scenario of the day: a treasure hunt of biodiversity 
• Hands-on STEAM activity: teachers in the role of students
• Discussion Workshop: personalisation on a case-study class
• Retrospective of the day
• Lunch

Day 4 - PLAYING AND LEARNING BETWEEN DIGITAL AND ANALOG TOOLS 💻

From 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.

• Introduction to the classroom scenario of the day: using digital game-based tools
• Hands-on STEAM activity: teachers in the role of students
• Discussion Workshop: personalisation on a case-study class
• Retrospective of the day
• Lunch

Day 5 - DESIGNING INTERACTIVE GAME-BASED LEARNING ACTIVITIES 🎮

From 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.

• Hands-on experimentation: virtual and augmented reality in education, G-Lab AR and VR Division
• Design Workshop: refining ideas for creating classroom activities
• Final evaluation and certification
• Lunch