Link to TIG page.

Within ETEN, the TIG Identity and Life Philosophy offers a space where teacher educators, researchers, and other education professionals come together to reflect on questions related to identity, diversity, and life philosophy in education. During the ETEN conference in Hasselt (spring 2025), we— as TIG leaders— worked with a slightly renewed format that included meeting local organisations for dialogue, extra time for shared reflections and collaboration between participants. In this article, we look back on this edition and look ahead to our next meeting in Albania.

Learning together through dialogue

The TIG sessions once again consisted of contributions by participants themselves, who shared a wide range of perspectives on themes such as citizenship education, identity development, and life-philosophical literacy. This year, we intentionally created a space for dialogue about issues that needed more discussion and collaborative projects on the last day. Participants indicated that these extended moments of conversation supported deeper reflection and mutual understanding. The open and accessible atmosphere— characteristic of ETEN— enabled this exchange in a meaningful way.

Collaboration with local partners

A new element in this edition was the deliberate inclusion of local organisations explicitly focusing on diversity, identity and life-philosophy from the Hasselt region. Connecting with the local context aligned well with the focus of our TIG and was positively received by the group.

The workshop by Djapo, led by Sabine Anné, focused on addressing controversial issues in educational settings. Following a short introduction on the nature and relevance of such topics, participants reflected on their role as educators. Through practical and interactive methods, we explored ways to recognise underlying values, engage with different perspectives, and facilitate open dialogue. The session provided concrete tools for supporting discussions in which diversity of views is acknowledged and respected.

My Equator, represented by Roel Nollet, contributed with a global perspective. EQUATOR aims to give children a broad view of the world by connecting them with peers across different continents. The workshop illustrated how global connectedness can be integrated into everyday educational practice and how this contributes to pupils’ identity development in an interconnected world.

A shared direction

The combination of participant contributions, extended dialogue sessions, and input from local partners resulted in a format that closely aligns with the aims of our TIG: collective reflection, broadening perspectives, and linking theory to practice. Feedback from participants confirmed that this approach is worth continuing.

Looking ahead to Albania

At the next ETEN conference, hosted in Vlora, Albania, we intend to continue along this path. Once again, we will create space for dialogue, reflection, and local inspiration. We warmly invite colleagues interested in identity, life philosophy, diversity, and education to join our TIG. Our sessions are accessible, content-driven, and focused on open exchange between professionals.

We look forward to continuing this conversation together in Albania! 

Ilse Hakvoort (ilse.hakvoort@ped.gu.se)

Rosalina Boer-Wirken (r.m.w.boer@hz.nl)

Categories: 2026 Vlora, Identity and Life Philosophy