In detail the AHEAD didactic model combines two main learning approaches which are a virtual Problem Based Learning –PBL methodology with a peer-to-peer learning approach.

Thanks to this didactic model, focused on the developed of practical abilities, the project intends to provide headmasters the needed skills and self-learning tools to cope with the management of national / international projects as well as to coordinate a team within the schools in charge of these projects.The main project results and products are the following:

1. AHEAD DIDACTIC MODEL for the improvement of headmasters’ practical skills to build a team within the school able to carry out innovative/research activities;
2. E-LEARNING PLATFORM AND PBL REPOSITORY as web learning/collaborative setting for headmasters. It includes an e-learning platform and a PBL repository (a sort of “virtual training library”) that will host the headmasters’ cases/scenarios based on their real experiences;
3. SELF-LEARNING TOOLKIT to promote the regular updating of headmasters skills and to exploit the AHEAD didactic model among EU schools thanks to a peer-training approach. In detail, it includes a set of tools and guidelines for headmasters to develop case/scenarios according to the AHEAD didactic model, during and after the project end, as well as to allow the exchange of good practices among EU schools and to promote the ongoing updating of their skills.

The AHEAD didactic model combines the following main training approaches:

• VIRTUAL PBL – PROBLEM BASED LEARNING: “Blended Method based on the principle of using problems as a starting point for the acquisition and integration of new knowledge” (H.S. Barrows, 1982).The AHEAD project intends to develop an on line Problem Based Learning-PBL methodology through the e-learning platform and the PBL repository. The virtual PBL consists of the application of the classical PBL approach with the ICT tools. Thanks to new interactive technologies it is now easier to create environments in which students can learn by doing, receive feedback and continually refine their knowledge.
• PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING APPROACH: peer-to-peer learning involves peers sharing their knowledge and experience with one another, facilitating the people internalization of messages and thus the change of people attitudes and behaviors because the messenger is felt as similar to them. Within the AHEAD project this approach are applied with the development of the PBL repository, as on line environment where headmasters can share experiences and arrange autonomously virtual PBL sessions. Also thanks to the Self-learning toolkit headmasters are encouraged to promote further PBL sessions, sharing experiences and helping each other.