Teaching European Citizenship in the Classroom

Description

Concept by Veerle Ponnet

The world of tomorrow is today’s challenge. Young people must engage in the challenges of today because they are the citizens of tomorrow.

The current problem faced by schools, teachers, and students is the lack of understanding and knowledge of European Citizenship. This lack of understanding can lead to limited opportunities for students to engage with the EU and its institutions.

There is a need for teachers to have their students develop critical thinking and civic skills, as well as an understanding of their role as active citizens in a multicultural and diverse society.

This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of European Citizenship, as well as how to actively engage in promoting it in their schools and communities. Participants will learn the importance and benefits of being active citizens and participating in democratic processes.

During the course, participants will learn about the EU institutions and their role in shaping the continent and the world. They will also learn about the EU’s values and principles, and how to integrate them into their classroom and school activities.

Participants will engage in group discussions and activities, as well as simulations of EU decision-making processes, to apply their knowledge and develop their civic skills.

By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of European Citizenship and the EU institutions. They will have developed the critical thinking and civic skills, and knowledge necessary to promote European Citizenship in their schools and communities.

They will also have gained the ability to integrate the EU’s values and principles in their classroom and school activities. These competencies will enable them to be active citizens and participate in democratic processes, to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society.

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

• Understand the EU institutions and their role in shaping the continent and the world;
• Understand the EU’s values and principles, and how to integrate them into their classroom and school activities;
• Develop critical thinking and civic skills and the knowledge necessary to promote European Citizenship in their schools and communities;
• Gain the ability to integrate EU’s values and principles in their classroom and school activities;
• Develop strategies to foster active participation and engagement of their students in democratic processes, to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society;
• Reflect on their teaching practices and identify areas for improvement in European Citizenship Education;
• Network with other educators from different countries and cultures to share best practices and gain new perspectives on European Citizenship education;
• Be able to plan, implement, and evaluate European Citizenship-related activities, lessons, and projects in the classroom and school;
• Be able to create and use authentic and relevant learning resources, materials, and activities to enhance students’ understanding of European Citizenship.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the European Union and its institutions

• Welcome and introduction to the course;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Overview of the EU’s history, structure, and objectives;
• Discussion and group activities on the role of the EU in shaping the continent and the world.

Day 2 – EU values and principles

• Overview of the EU’s values and principles;
• Discussion and group activities on how to integrate EU values and principles in the classroom and school activities.

Day 3 – Developing critical thinking and civil skills

• Overview of the importance of critical thinking and civic skills in promoting European Citizenship;
• Discussion and group activities on how to develop critical thinking and civic skills in students.

Day 4 – Promoting European citizenship in the classroom

• Overview of strategies for promoting European Citizenship in the classroom and school activities;
• Discussion and group activities on how to plan, implement and evaluate European Citizenship related activities, lessons, and projects in the classroom and school.

Day 5 – Reflection and next steps

• Reflection on the course and participants’ teaching practices concerning European Citizenship Education;
• Discussion and group activities on the next steps for continuing involvement with European Citizenship Education.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.