On April 24, Erudito Lyceum, together with Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, organized a conference that brought together teachers, lecturers, students, and education researchers to discuss the application of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) principles in educational practice. The event aimed to promote inter-institutional collaboration, deepen professional knowledge, and share best practices.

The IB PYP is a globally implemented educational program focused on student independence, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and collaboration. It emphasizes the importance of inquiry-based learning, research, and reflection. In Lithuania, various schools apply this program in pursuit of international education standards, while since 2021 Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has been accredited as an IBEC-PYP teacher training center.

Opening Remarks and Conference Welcome

The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Lina Kaminskienė, Chancellor of the VMU Education Academy, and Monika Milė, Head of Primary Community Projects at Erudito Lyceum, who emphasized that this conference is the result of joint efforts to create modern, child-empowering education.

The conference opened with a presentation by an international expert.

The opening keynote “Empowering Learners: Agency, Inquiry, and Reflection in the IB PYP Classroom” was delivered by Suzanne Tomlinson—an IB PYP expert from England with more than 30 years of experience working with teachers and students around the world. She emphasized that the most important aspect of modern education is empowering students to explore, ask questions, reflect, and grow as independent individuals.

Reflection and Feedback – The Foundation of Educational Quality

The block of presentations dedicated to reflection was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona Tandzegolskienė-Bielaglovė (VMU), emphasizing the power of reflection in developing students’ thinking processes and personalizing education.

Giedrė Vilkaitė-Gürsoy and Gražina Jurevičienė (Erudito Lyceum) spoke about the learning community as a necessity—their presentation explored collaboration and trust-based relationships within the school.

Dr. Gediminas Čapkauskas (Kaunas Panemunė Progymnasium) presented reflection and feedback strategies used in implementing the IB PYP and emphasized the importance of student engagement.

Integration of STEAM Methods – A Space for Exploration

Dr. Vesta Vančugovienė (VMU) spoke about the challenges and opportunities of applying STEAM methods in primary education.

Justina Pečiulaitė and Dovilė Koklevičienė (Erudito Lyceum) presented practical examples of how these disciplines are integrated into the IB PYP learning process.

Jovita Ponomariovienė (VMU PhD student), in her presentation “When Children Explore – They Create Meaning,”analyzed how STEAM helps students not only acquire knowledge but also experience it through practice.

Self-Directed Learning – The Key to Student Leadership

Daiva Jankauskienė and Rūta Gudynienė (Erudito Lyceum) demonstrated how their students become leaders of their own learning journey—from setting goals to engaging in reflection.

Prof. Dr. Aušra Rutkienė (VMU) delved into the theoretical foundation of self-directed learning, addressing the question of “why and for whom” this approach is needed in the modern school.

Jurgita Steponaitienė (Erudito Lyceum) presented concrete examples of how, in the context of the IB PYP, students’ independence and decision-making skills are developed.

At the close of the conference, Austėja Cikanavičiūtė (VMU student) shared her experience from an international school in Sweden where the IB PYP program is also applied—her insights enriched the event with an international perspective.

Community Building – An Important Part of the Conference

The conference was an excellent opportunity not only to gain new knowledge but also to establish collaboration between different educational institutions, universities, and education professionals. Throughout the discussions, a common goal emerged—to create a high-quality, child-empowering learning process grounded in international practices.

Participants had the opportunity to receive certificates confirming their attendance at the conference, and the organizers are already considering the possibility of making this format an annual tradition.

We Invite You to Join the IB PYP Community!

The conference once again demonstrated that the growing international education movement in Lithuania has strong foundations and great potential. Teachers, students, and lecturers interested in the IB PYP program are invited to actively engage in community activities, take part in training, and follow updates on upcoming events.