2012

Teachers highly interested in forests

Latvian teachers kicked off the first week of 2012 with LVM environmental education courses. Even though the weather was cold and damp, the teachers exuded positive emotions, admitting that the information and experience gained during the courses will definitely be useful when working with students.

The 12-hour continued education courses “Development of teachers’ professional environmental education competence on sustainable forest management” were held for the second time. The first ones took place during last year’s autumn holidays with 132 teachers from all over Latvia participating. This year, the courses were more popular and brought together 165 teachers. The organizers are relying on the ever-growing interest, and expecting to welcome even more teachers next time. 

The teachers spent the first part of the day at the Forest & Timber Research & Development Institute (MeKa), the second part – at LVM Zemgale forestry.

Teachers express admiration for courses and gladly share impressions

Dina Melne, Pūre Primary School and Kandava Secondary Boarding School:“I really enjoyed the courses. In fact, I am a fan of LVM courses, since they provide rich information, handouts, and it is always made sure that the teachers are feeling good.  This is the second time that I am at MeKa and I enjoyed the most seeing forest processing. Overall, the amount of information is fantastic and people working here – highly knowledgeable. When I return home, I will show the children the given movies and we will do our home assignment. Our class is frequently visiting forests and we discuss this subject on a regular basis.”

Laura Pope, Dāvis Ozoliņš Ape Secondary School:“The courses are highly interesting and detailed with valuable information. Afterwards, I will be able to convey it to my children. I have gained new theoretical knowledge and enjoyed the many practical sessions. The technologies have certainly developed, and many things were new to me. I would recommend to other teachers to participate in these courses and try to involve pupils as well.”

Anna Grenciņa – Grencione, Mazzalve Primary School:“Even though I am living in a wooded area, I saw things from a different perspective here. I saw how forests are processed and found out about their management. I learned a lot and will be able to teach my pupils about it.”

Sanita Vingre, Rīga Secondary School №49:“It was interesting to meet with people who are working in the science sector and also dealing with practical matters. I really like LVM events. You can always be sure that everything will be taken care of and done properly.”

Oļģerts Gūtmanis, Rīga State Gymnasium №2:“I am participating in LVM courses for the first time, and my impressions are definitely positive. Wood-processing technologies and laboratories caught my interest. It is highly useful information, which I will apply during my chemistry classes.”

Inga Kūkusiliņa, Rožupe Primary School:“Thank you to the organizers. Everything was well-organized, smooth, and the large amount of handouts will be of use when working with students. Of course, I learned a lot as well. Our class has also participated in other LVM events, but these courses were the first ones for me. All in all, they were highly enjoyable.”

Aija Siliņa, Rīga Jugla Secondary School:“I am delighted that this topic was emphasized, since green biology, presented in various ways, aroused my interest. I immediately wanted to go to my children and tell them this new information. I am flattered that everything is brought to you during the courses. Highly inspiring event!”

Mudīte Leiduma, Dricāni Secondary School and Strūžāni Primary School:“We saw the film “A Matter of Time” in our school, and I will bring lots of new information from these courses, as well as uplifting feelings that I received. Forests are the love of my life. Environmental issues are often discussed in our classes, with the children expressing their opinion.”

Tomass Kotovičs,

LVM Communications Department head