The SLEAD project team is proud to announce that Anastasia Protopsalti, from the 1st Experimental Senior High School of Athens “Gennadios”, Greece is the the winner of its Call for Project Ideas. The project “History and Democracy in Motion” that she submitted, stood out for its innovative approach to teaching democracy through historical reflection and active citizenship.
In Greece, limited classroom time often means pivotal historical events like World War II, or the Holocaust are overlooked in order to fulfil the required curriculum. Anastasia Protopsalti identified this gap as a “crime against education” and set out to ensure students understand the historical causes and consequences of these events. Her project emphasizes the importance of democracy, both historically and in today’s world, equipping students with the tools to protect and strengthen it. The proposal involves a cross-country partnership between her school in Athens, an upper secondary school in Trier, Germany, and an elementary school in Kalamata, Greece. Students will explore the evolution of democracy and democratic processes since Ancient Greece, reflecting on major events such as the World War II, and ultimately discussing its relevance today.
The project key activities include:
– Experiential Learning: Older students will educate younger ones about democracy through games, discussions, and cooperative projects;
– Language Animation: Students will collaborate in Greek and German, learning expressions related to democracy in both languages;
– Site Visits: The project also proposes several visits to historical sites and institutions, including the Greek Parliament, leveraging local connections for impactful learning experiences.
Thus, the project aims to instil a deep understanding of democracy and empower students as active citizens. By integrating subjects like history, Greek and German language, religion, and cultural studies, students will develop critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration skills. The proposal also draws on resources like the Council of Europe’s “Compass” handbook and the European Wergeland Center’s digital citizenship education materials. During the reflection and evaluation process, students will document their learning journey through journals, self-assessments, peer feedback, and reflective essays. They will also engage in formative assessments like quizzes, discussions, and project presentations.
The “History and Democracy in Motion” project highlights the transformative power of education to address pressing societal issues. By combining historical understanding with democratic values, the initiative not only bridges gaps in the curriculum but also inspires students to become informed, engaged citizens. With this recognition, this project exemplifies how Service-Learning projects can make education more relevant and impactful in today’s world. The SLEAD project congratulates Anastasia Protopsalti and her colleagues and looks forward to the lasting influence her work will have on students and educators alike.
The SLEAD team also extends its gratitude to all the educators who submitted their thoughtful and creative project ideas. Your dedication to innovative education and Service-Learning is inspiring. While the “History and Democracy in Motion” project was selected, we encourage everyone to move forward with their proposals and bring their ideas to life. Moreover, we invite you to draw inspiration from Anastasia’s project, adapting its elements to your unique contexts and needs. Together, we can create meaningful educational experiences and foster active citizenship across Europe.