Experts from various scientific disciplines from eleven countries have developed this platform as part of the KIDS4ALLL (Key Inclusive Development Strategies for Lifelong Learning) research project. The learning content centres on collaboration in teams of two.

Living together only works well if each and every individual can cooperate with other people and experience how helpful other perspectives can be. Otherwise, cohesion will crumble, as can currently be observed in the increasing division of society in Germany and many other countries.

To support young people in learning to coexist gracefully, experts from various scientific disciplines have developed a wide range of pair-based learning content that focuses on cooperation. The material is now freely accessible via the multilingual eLearning platform designed at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany and launched there on 12 September as part of a conference. Schools, other educational institutions, and youth centres can use it easily.

"At the heart of our project is what is known as the “buddy system” - a method in which two children or young people collaborate on a problem. They might not necessarily be best friends, but they get to know each other through their work, learning with and from one another," explains Dr Luisa Conti of the Intercultural Business Communication department at the University of Jena.

Her colleague Klara Räthel and she have spearheaded and coordinated the creation of a new eLearning platform, which serves as the linchpin of the KIDS4ALLL project.

"Schools and other educational institutions around the world apply this concept to leverage the potential of cooperation," says Conti. It's often used to more effectively integrate children and young people who might have joined a new class at school or who have not yet mastered the language of instruction. At the same time, it is important to note explicitly that this is not a form of mentoring. Rather, both participants contribute their strengths and work together as equals.

Researchers working on the project initially examined how the buddy system works in a number of different countries both within Europe and beyond, along with the concepts that educational and care institutions have already deployed. This involved close collaboration with partners using this approach in practice, such as Kindersprachbrücke Jena, an institution that helps children who are not native German speakers to find their linguistic feet.

All contributors to the KIDS4ALLL project have used insights from this research to develop learning materials for buddy teams. The assignments, which are available in 14 languages on the new platform, are designed to enable children and young people to gain certain key skills in areas such as digitalization, social affairs, science, and business. "Besides that, the young people should take a collaborative approach to challenges and learn how to cooperate effectively in a way that yields benefits for all parties," says Conti.

The learning units are designed to be easily accessible and start with a playful, interactive element to each topic, such as a quiz. After that, the buddies can get creative in tackling the assignment, perhaps by recording a video or a podcast. The buddies can then upload their work and share it with others. They are then encouraged to reflect on the approach they took and what they achieved. The platform also offers useful links for those looking to learn more about a topic.

The project's experts partnered with the Multimedia Centre at the University of Jena and the Jena-based company Avocado Film to produce brief introductory videos that explain how to develop ideas and resolve conflicts that can arise when working with others. Conti commented, "Overall, we didn't want to be too prescriptive or set horizons of expectations. Above all, we wanted to stimulate ideas. First and foremost, the children should enjoy learning, exploring topics independently, getting creative, and experiencing the efficacy of working as a team."

Outlining the platform's objectives, project coordinator Klara Räthel added, "We wanted to foster seemingly small moments of encounters between children and young people who, at first glance, might not appear to have much in common, so that they can develop a connection through shared learning and experimentation. This promotes openness to others, develops communication skills, and encourages an appreciation for and exchange of different perspectives."

The researchers’ concept foresees supervisors such as teachers or other social or education workers being available to support the young teams as they learn to use the platform. For this and other reasons, the platform's developers have also integrated content aimed at educators. It conveys skills in areas such as collaborative learning, interculturality, and socio-emotional competencies, which can support them not only in supporting buddy teams but also in their day-to-day work in schools and youth centres. This content also provides tips for building buddy relationships and how best to forge effective team relationships.

The EU Commission confirmed that the platform had achieved these goals following its review before it went live: "The project has delivered very good results and the KIDS4ALLL platform is of excellent quality".

The new platform is generally accessible for everyone, with content available for download. The project's Jena-based experts are currently working to make education authorities and other institutions aware of this new service, showcasing it at a number of events. The researchers also worked closely with the State of Thuringia’s Ministry of Education during the creation phase.