Urban education

Brussels is a global city that plays a top role in international rankings.

It owes this position not only to its role as home to European and international institutions, but also to its dynamism as an economic and institutional metropolis.

At the same time, cosmopolitan Brussels is confronted with major urban characteristics such as globalization, migration, urbanization and increasing ethnocultural diversity.

Within the Urban Education research line,

we respond to these assets and challenges,

with research on themes such as diversity and gender, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), citizenship and sustainability.

We connect scientific insights with the urban reality and work on inclusive, resilient and future-oriented education in a super-diverse metropolis.

Teachers' professional development

The research line “Teacher Professional Development” focuses on strengthening the professional growth of in-service and pre-service teachers. Therefore, we work closely together with school teams, school leaders, policymakers, and a broad network of educational and societal partners.

Our research is rooted in practice and aims to support professionalisation across the education system.

To illustrate, a flagship project within this research line, “Onderzoekende School?!”, brings together teachers, students, teacher educators, and other stakeholders that collaboratively research and improve educational practices. 

Future classroom

How educational innovation can influence teaching and learning in ways that are grounded in real needs. We investigate e.g., the potential of digital tools, immersive technologies, online, blended and outdoor learning, and innovative spatial design.

Working in close collaboration with schools, policymakers, and international partners, we use design-based and participatory research methods to co-create practical solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s education. Our work bridges educational theory and practice, contributing to inclusive, future-oriented learning environments. 

Afternoon session: exploring possible collaborations

  3 research lines: 3 tables

1. Within the research line (+-30')
   • ​Where can we collaborate within the research line (RL)?
   • Between RL (see post-it's)?
   • Questions / suggestions for collaboration with other research lines
2. Visiting / consulting other tables (2 x 20')

• One participant from each RL visit another table (two rounds)​

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3. Reflection within the RL (20')

• What did we learn from the other RL?​

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4. Priorities (plenary discussion)

• Next steps -> see padlet

3. Reflection within the RL (20')

• What did we learn from the other RL?​​