BIG_ling SK-AT

The constantly growing region, with Bratislava and Vienna as its capital cities, represents a dynamic economic area offering a wide range of employment opportunities. On the one hand, the region has an urban character; on the other, it comprises rich (protected) natural landscapes. The linguistic and cultural diversity that characterises this region is an important factor – relevant to the labour market, amongst other things – influencing the development, competitiveness and attractiveness of this unique living environment. Linguistic and cultural knowledge is crucial for the employability of future young adults. At the same time, competences in the fields of natural sciences, technology and digitalisation are a priority for the education sector in both countries.

For this reason, in the BIG_link SK-AT project (full title: ‘Cooperation in the field of education in the SK-AT bilingual border region’), we have focused on acquiring language skills (neighbouring languages/multilingualism), supplemented by a range of activities designed to explore and utilise physical activities in teaching processes focused on digital literacy, natural sciences and technology.

Another innovative contribution was the utilisation of regional potential (e.g. protected landscape areas, businesses), which were presented within the project as learning venues and integrated into everyday teaching practice as a source of new knowledge and skills. To ensure the successful implementation of innovative educational approaches to bilingualism in individual educational institutions, a sustainable concept for bilingual education was developed as part of educational cooperation in the border region.