In many countries, we witness various innovations in education. Student-centered education, change of focus from memorizing towards understanding, inquiry-based instruction, and other developments are can be witnessed in more and more schools. It seems there is also being accumulated more evidence that these approaches actually work better than still prevailing approach which was launched after the Industrial Revolution in the 19^th century and which has been used since then. However, the overall systemic change is dragging its feet as it is challenging the traditional methods of teaching and learning, i.e. methods that have been taken for granted for a very long time.

The Summer School invites students to discuss the current issues and potential new approaches to education with academics, researchers, professionals, as well as with fellow students of various academic and cultural backgrounds.

Surrounded by the beauty of Prague, we will exchange ideas and seek answers to the questions:

• What is typical and atypical growth in childhood and adolescence including cognitive, physical, emotional, linguistic, social, and sensory areas, and what is the impact of disability on learning?

• What are the characteristics and learning needs of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and other types of behavioral, emotional, physical, cognitive and learning disabilities?

• What role do families play in the development and the academic, social, and emotional learning of children and adolescents?

• What skills are to be taught in today’s rapidly changing world?

• How can schools adapt to the rapid technological advances, structural changes of the economy and shakeups of political and social systems?

 WHY?

• To gain a critical perspective on how the future of education should develop
• To further engage in the academic debate on how should the modern education system look like and what would its main characteristics be
• To meet new friends from different parts of the world and explore the magnificence of Prague, one of the most beautiful cultural and historical capitals in Europe