(ANS - Santiago) – The Silva Henríquez Catholic University of the Salesians in Chile, hosted the Sixth Ibero-American Congress of Pedagogy, on the theme "Towards a meaningful transformation of education." The event was held in Santiago and Valparaiso from 23 to 25 September. The Salesian Institute was chosen on account of its significant experience in teacher training, through its Faculty of Education.

The Congress was attended by about 200 people from Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, United States and Chile.

The programme of activities included about 160 reports by experts from various countries, dealing with the guiding themes of the conference (educational programmes to overcome educational and social inequalities; prospects for initial training and professional development; methodological developments; direction and leadership ...). In this way the participants received a general overview of the work of teachers and its essential meaning.

The objective of the Congress was to promote the knowledge garnered in pedagogical research among the various agents in the sector, with a view to improving education, making it more relevant, inclusive and democratic.

The Congress was organized by the Spanish Society of Pedagogy which has been holding a similar Congress since 1955 for Spain, and the Ibero-American Congress since 2010.

It is worth mentioning that, for the past five years, Chile, like other nations, has experienced student demonstrations associated with educational questions, based on a search for the true meaning of education. These have changed the political social and cultural agenda, and restored to public debate the need for quality and equity in education, with the aim of inclusion and social justice.

Published 01/10/2014