From October 19th to October 26th, an English and Politics teacher from Germany participated in the training session “Teaching Europe: the EU, its function, and new priorities towards 2030”, a three day training course aimed at enhancing a deeper understanding of the EU framework in the context of the teaching and learning experience.
The first day began with a reflection on the urgent need to integrate European Union topics into school curricula, providing an overview of effective ways to engage students: addressing their concerns, deconstructing the idea of “European identity,” promoting active citizenship, adopting a cross-cultural approach, and fostering critical thinking. A historical, geographical, political, and institutional overview of the European Union was presented as a fundamental step to pave the way for the discussions that followed.
On the second day, the focus shifted to the concept of European identity and the importance of understanding its different interpretations in order to build a truly shared sense of belonging. By exploring various dimensions – such as the integration of European symbols and values, civic identity, and shared heritage within lesson plans – it becomes possible to foster a deeper sense of European citizenship and collective identity. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of cultural heritage as a bridge connecting diverse histories and traditions, highlighting that Europe’s strength lies in its diversity. The afternoon session was dedicated to exploring outdoor learning activities, including the official UN board game Go-Goals, an engaging educational tool designed to promote awareness on the Agenda 2030’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On the third day we explored a variety of official tools and resources for educators – from digital simulation games and role-playing activities to critical-thinking exercises encompassing global and non-formal education approaches. These insights offered a valuable opportunity to enhance the participant’s creativity, enabling her to connect all the key themes in her final lesson plan.
Overall, one of the key outcomes of the training was the crucial role of fostering active citizenship among students. She recognized that education should not only transmit knowledge about the European Union, but also inspire learners to become engaged, responsible citizens who contribute to their communities and to Europe as a whole. Encouraging students to think critically, participate actively, and understand their rights and responsibilities as European citizens emerged as an essential goal of her teaching practice.
Author: Giusy Froio (JUMP trainer)
