During the week of March 15th-22nd, a Gymnasium teacher from Germany participated in the training session “European Cultural Heritage as a Pedagogical and Integration Tool in Education,” engaging in a three-day course designed to provide new tools and perspectives on applying cultural heritage at all levels of education. The program primarily focused on understanding cultural heritage and cultural diversity, promoting cultural awareness, and encouraging the inclusion of multiple perspectives.
On the first day, we explored in greater depth the concept of cultural heritage, reflecting on who has the power to define and value it. Through the hands-on activity “European Cultural Heritage Cards,” we discovered a variety of traditions and practices from across Europe, many of which share common roots despite their diversity. This reflection also led us to question whether it is truly possible to speak of a shared European heritage and to what extent different perspectives and voices are represented within it. Bringing these questions into the classroom can support students in developing critical thinking and engaging with cultural heritage as a dynamic and inclusive process, while fostering respect for diversity and multiple viewpoints.
On the second day, we introduced the concept of Dissonant Heritage, referring to forms of heritage that can be contested or associated with conflicting interpretations. This perspective sparked a discussion on how such heritage can be used in education to address complex social and cultural dynamics, encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of history and collective memory. In the afternoon, the training moved to outdoor activities, giving participants the opportunity to learn through interactive, non-formal experiences. The session, which included the Go-Goals game by the United Nations and a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt, allowed the teacher to engage alongside other international participants and to experience experiential learning.
The third day was dedicated to examining how European cultural heritage can be meaningfully integrated into educational contexts. We first reflected on the role of European frameworks in supporting heritage-based education, and then focused on practical strategies for classroom application. In particular, we explored how heritage interpretation can encourage active student participation, how living heritage can create connections between learners and their local cultural environments, and how digital tools can make cultural heritage more accessible, engaging, and relevant for contemporary education.
Overall, the training highlighted the transformative potential of cultural heritage in education. By engaging students with both local and European traditions, educators can help them develop a sense of belonging, cultural awareness, and respect for diversity. Schools play a vital role in guiding learners to interpret, question, and connect with heritage in ways that are meaningful to their own experiences, turning cultural knowledge into a living resource that inspires curiosity, dialogue, and shared understanding across generations.
Author: Giusy Froio (JUMP staff)
