Eureka! Institutional Repository

It is now proven that today's era is booming with scientific, technological and economic growth. At the same time, digital technology is rapidly evolving which is changing the traditional model of teaching and learning and bypassing the teacher effectively, ultimately producing learning outcomes for students. There is a need to change the learning setting, introduce and promote new teaching methods and innovative programs. Education, striving to keep up with current developments, promotes cooperation programs between the member states of the European Union. European programs help improve education by providing teachers and students with a wealth of knowledge and experience. However, despite their proven value, the speed of implementation in our country is low. The centralization of administration does not favor the acceptance, implementation of innovations, major changes and European programs. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the role of the Principals of Primary School Units of the Municipality of Alexandria in promoting European programs (Erasmus+, e-twinning, Comenius etc.). Despite the fact that European programs have an undeniable value and that the role of Directors is crucial in their undertaking and implementation, their intentions, their attitude, their perceptions have not been sufficiently studied. The research examines whether the Directors know the aims and objectives of these programs, whether they find them useful for the entire educational community, examines whether they are aware of the procedures for undertaking and implementing the programs and the training required. It also explores the ways in which the Principal motivates and facilitates teachers to implement European programs as well as the abilities and characteristics they need to have in order to be motivational leaders throughout the process. The survey was carried out in September - October 2019 with a closed questionnaire divided into six axes. The sample comes from 40 Principals and Principals of Primary Schools and Kindergartens of the Municipality of Alexandria Imathia. The results of the research have shown the importance of the role of Principals / Primaries and Headmasters of Kindergartens, their initially positive appreciation and disposition as well as the lack of adequate information and planning. The difficulty of updating, training and the time required to undertake and implement European programs was also recorded.