The Reality of Comenius Projects in ten Catalan Educational Institutions

Abstract

This paper submits a qualitative study on different aspects of Comenius projects undertaken in ten educational centres in Catalonia during the academic year 0708. The objectives of this paper are to present these projects within the realities of particular school contexts, to emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of the projects, the difficulties the coordinators have to face as well as analyzing all the issues that should be improved. The data was drawn from 10 interviews (25-45 minutes) conducted with the coordinating teachers for such projects.   The study concludes that the Comenius project is a complex project in its development, completely adaptable to the reality of each centre, and very positive at primary, secondary and high school levels. However, it has also brought to light problems in our society and, especially, in Catalan educational institutions, such as a general lack of knowledge of a second language, fear of other cultures, lack of policies to support continuity projects, as well as the workload of teachers.