From 27 March to 3 April, Edu Myth Busters – The Science Behind Learning brought together youth workers and educators from Italy, Spain, Greece, Lithuania and the Czech Republic in Arroyomolinos, near Madrid. The Erasmus+ training was an opportunity to step back from everyday practice and reflect on how learning really happens — beyond habits, assumptions and well‑known “educational myths”.
Much of what we do in education and youth work is still influenced by ideas that feel familiar or intuitive, but are not always supported by research. During the training, participants were encouraged to question these approaches and explore what science tells us about learning processes, motivation, emotions and engagement. The aim was not to offer fixed answers, but to build awareness and critical thinking that can support more conscious educational choices.
Hosted by ALEA – A Ludic European Association, the programme was based on non‑formal education and peer learning. Activities combined discussion, hands‑on experimentation and reflection, allowing participants to share experiences from different countries and professional backgrounds. Topics ranged from the science of learning and active listening to the critical use of AI in education, as well as the role of play and experimentation as tools for engagement and understanding.
One of the most valuable aspects of Edu Myth Busters was the European exchange itself. Working in an international group made it easier to recognise shared challenges, compare practices and see how methods can be adapted to different local contexts rather than simply replicated.
The training does not end with the mobility. Participants will now bring the tools, ideas and reflections developed during the course back to their communities, integrating them into youth activities, workshops and ongoing projects. In this way, the learning continues and spreads beyond the training setting.
Europamente ETS took part in Edu Myth Busters as project partner, contributing to a shared effort to strengthen youth work through reflection, cooperation and evidence‑based approaches. The project was co‑funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, which continues to support learning opportunities that connect professionals across Europe and foster long‑term impact in the youth field.
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