Project Report – “János Gáspár” Pedagogical Project Competition

Project Report 

 

Sponsor: Communitas Foundation

Beneficiary: Bethlen Gábor Foundation

Project title: 3rd Gáspár János Pedagogical Project Competition

Funding amount: 3,000 RON

Project implementation period: 23–24 October 2026

 

 

Study Competition for Hungarian-Language Pedagogical High Schools

The Study Competition for Hungarian-Language Pedagogical High Schools was held on 23–24 October 2026 and jointly organized by Bethlen Gábor College and the Bethlen Gábor Foundation. This two-day event aimed to foster cooperation and knowledge sharing among Hungarian-language pedagogical high schools in Transylvania, while providing students with opportunities for professional development and the chance to test their knowledge and skills.

The Gáspár János Pedagogical Project Competition aims to give students pursuing teacher training the opportunity to present their ideas, creativity, and professional knowledge, while also allowing them to explore methods and approaches that they can apply in their future teaching careers. The event provides a platform for collaborative thinking, the exchange of experiences, and the exploration of diverse pedagogical approaches, contributing to the development of a modern, value-based, and child-centered approach to education.

Opening Ceremony

The competition was held for the third time, and the opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks by Székely Erika, Minority Education Inspector for Alba County; Szőcs Ildikó, Director of Bethlen Gábor College; and Bartha Melinda, the initiator of the competition. They welcomed the participating teams and wished them success.

The event was enriched by a presentation entitled “Lélekszínező – From Creation to Connection”, delivered by Drd. Orbán Imola, a psychologist, mentor, educational methodologist, and specialist in supportive approaches based on art therapy. She is the founder of the Bóbita Association and the creator of the Lélekszínező Programme.

The presentation was followed by an introductory workshop for teachers and student teachers. The workshop was led by Orbán Imola, representing the Bóbita Association, and Benedek Krisztina, representing the Ákom Mákom Association.

 

Two institutions took part in the competition:

• Kölcsey Ferenc National College, Satu Mare
• Bethlen Gábor College, Aiud

Special thanks go to the judging panel, whose members, bringing together both familiar and new faces, contributed to the high standard of the competition through their dedication and thoroughness:

• Dr. Piroska Demény, lecturer at the Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Didactics at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca
• Noémi Gudor, a second-year PhD student at the Doctoral School of Hungarology, Faculty of Letters, Babeș-Bolyai University
• Kriszta Deák, primary school teacher at the Reformed College in Cluj-Napoca

Competition Format

The event aimed to promote the sharing of professional knowledge and experience in pedagogy, with a particular focus on the following specializations:

• Primary teacher training
• Early childhood education and care

The programme consisted of two stages:

I. Project Presentations (Click on the images to view the photo gallery.)

The students began by presenting their own projects, demonstrating the many ways in which learning can be made engaging and enjoyable. Their ideas included activities inspired by the atmosphere of autumn, preparations for Christmas, and a search for elves. The participants also showed how everyday concepts can be explored through playful activities, proving that creative pedagogical thinking offers almost limitless possibilities.

II. On-the-Spot Creation of Integrated Teaching Materials (Click on the images to view the photo gallery.)

The presentations were followed by a hands-on creative activity in which the teams made teaching materials from recyclable boxes. The task highlighted how, with the right ideas and a touch of creativity, teachers can transform everyday objects into valuable resources that support the learning process.

The Significance of the Competition

This event offered a unique opportunity for Hungarian-language pedagogical high schools, as similar initiatives are currently not available elsewhere in Transylvania. In the long term, the competition aims to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and contribute to improving the professional preparation of future teachers.

A detailed report on the Gáspár János Pedagogical Project Competition has been published on the Maszol news portal, highlighting the professional achievements and activities of this year’s event. To read the full article, please click here.

Thank You for Your Support, Communitas Foundation!

Bethlen Gábor College not only provides modern facilities for its students but also strengthens Hungarian national identity through education in the Hungarian language. The college community works together to reinforce students’ sense of identity and their connection to their cultural roots.

We sincerely thank the Communitas Foundation for its wide-ranging support and its continued commitment to strengthening the community of Bethlen Gábor College!