WP2 BEST PRACTICES
These are well-established, thoroughly documented strategies or approaches that have been successfully implemented to foster EU citizenship among VET students and teachers. They typically require thoughtful planning, adaptation, and sustained effort to achieve long-term, impactful, and sustainable results.
A strategy or approach may qualify as a best practice if it demonstrates one or more of the following features:
- Pedagogical Details and Teaching Methodology: Utilizes effective teaching methods such as project-based learning, role-playing, simulations, or other interactive techniques.
- Resources and Tools: Incorporates concrete tools or materials, including digital platforms, printed resources, and multimedia content.
- Innovative Aspects: Introduces new methods or procedures, adaptations of existing strategies, or applications in new educational contexts or for different target groups.
- Evidence of Success: Shows measurable results through external validation, such as awards, recognition, or demonstrable outcomes.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Addresses diverse learning needs and cultural backgrounds, ensuring equal access and active participation for all learners.
Here you can download specific Best Practices:
Activate students with current news:
Lesson warm-up session to engage students, spark interest in socio-political events related to Europe, and foster a sense of belonging to the European Union.
Diversity Italy, the European Union and Us:
The course consists of three two-hour modules, to be completed over three consecutive weeks, or within a short timeframe, to promote open discussion on: Italy and the European Union, The European Union and the diversity of its people, Our diversity is a wealth.
Optionality Laboratories on Europe and Geopolitics:
Part of formal curriculum 24 regular classes to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of EU dimension and its impact on global economic, political and social dynamics.
Europeans of Tomorrow (EoT):
Integration of European topics into class lessons as part of the formal curriculum to increase the sense of belonging to EU felt by VET students
o to increase the participation of VET students in democratic life.
A citizenship education program:
Part of the formal curriculum, Group activity, Blended learning (face-to-face and digital) to promote citizenship education among vocational education students, fostering their understanding of democracy, civic engagement and European values. It encourages active participation in social, political and environmental matters.
Ec(h)o Quest, Crafting a sustainable experience:
Group activity, digital and open air activity a sustainable traveling event that took place on two different days between Comacchio and Ravenna to promote an area of Italy, the Po Delta, and above all to raise awareness among students and the community.
Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility: Group activity, 2 weeks visit and internship, erasmus KA1 projects allow students to participate in international mobility experiences, enhancing their professional skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of EU citizenship through work placements, internships, and study exchanges in European countries.
Democrazy A Theatrical Exploration of Democracy in the European Union:Interactive theater performance and parliamentary simulation game. The aim of Democrazy is to enhance students' understanding of democracy, decision-making, and the role of the European Union through an engaging theater experience. The project combines theatrical storytelling with an interactive parliamentary simulation game to encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and civic awareness among students.
Europe in The Classroom (Europa en el aula): Informal/non-formal activity, group activity, face-to-face (analogue), digital resources. It consists of interactive workshops and educational sessions designed to bring EU-related topics into classrooms in an engaging and dynamic way. The methodology combines storytelling, debates, and gamification to ensure an interactive learning experience.
Debates with MEP: Informal group discussion combined with a sports activity (padel).The goal of this practice is to engage students in a lively discussion about political topics, the importance of voting, and European cooperation, while also providing a unique and informal setting through a sporting activity (padel). This approach enhances political awareness among students and strengthens their skills in debate and critical thinking
Olympiads on the European Union: Informal/non-formal activity, group activity, face-to-face.This best practice focuses on organizing European Union Olympiads, an academic competition designed to enhance students' knowledge of European institutions, policies, and elections. The methodology involves a multi-phase competition, starting at the regional level and culminating in a national final. The activity fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and civic engagement among young participants.
Following the news through phenomenon based learning: Digital, Blended learning, Hybrid.In practice, each school day can begin by projecting the day’s news onto the classroom wall. News topics can be chosen by the teacher or selected based on students’ interests to ensure relevance and engagement. It's important to allocate time for debriefing and open discussion, allowing students to ask questions, share opinions, and reflect critically. If a particular topic sparks deeper interest, it can be developed into a longer-term project.