What is a Thematic Network ?

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Thematic Networks are one of the main innovations of the Socrates-Erasmus programme.

They provide a forum for the analysis and study of the state of development of education and training in Europe in order to encourage and improve its quality on a European dimension.

Their philosophy has always been to emphasise the teaching dimension of university activity.

The Thematic Networks have carried out two sets of  basic tasks over the years:

• Mapping and enhancing education:

  • Describing, analysing and comparing existing teaching methods.

  • Defining and experimenting with new teaching methods.

  • Identifying existing teaching material and placing this at the disposal of the members of the network with the aid of databases.

  • Producing or updating, translating and disseminating new teaching material.

  • Activities in the field of quality assurance.

• Facilitating European Co-operation:

  • Assessing the quality of European co-operation, identifying needs and obstacles and providing solutions.

  • Developing tools for co-operation (the use of ECTS, new models of co-ordination, Europeanization strategies)

  • Promoting the production of European modules