Creative Approaches to Active Citizenship and Sustainable Problem-Solving

Course overview

This immersive 5-day course is designed to empower educators and professionals to foster creativity, active citizenship, and sustainable problem-solving skills among their students and communities. Participants will explore the significance of creativity as a catalyst for personal development, effective problem-solving, and social change. The course will delve into the intrinsic connection between creativity and active citizenship, emphasizing the importance of promoting innovative approaches to address real-world challenges.

Participants will learn to develop their ability to understand elements in a new way, breaking barriers between different areas and promoting an innovative approach to problem-solving. The course will emphasize the importance of social development through active participation, aiming to improve the quality of life for all citizens while prioritizing environmental sustainability and respect for the planet.

Emphasis will be placed on acquiring the necessary skills to promote creativity, active citizenship, and sustainable development in a transversal way across different subjects and educational levels. Participants will engage in hands-on projects directly related to their teaching areas, integrating values such as democracy, creativity, problem-solving, and sustainable development.

The course will introduce participants to creative thinking habits as tools for personal and social development. Participants will learn various techniques and strategies for creative problem-solving, enabling them to address both day-to-day situations and future challenges effectively.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided visit to a local museum, heritage site, or eco-conscious initiative. This visit will allow participants to explore the cultural richness of the area, draw inspiration from sustainable practices, and gain insights into incorporating inclusive and green dimensions into their teaching methodologies.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Welcoming, introductions, and setting the stage

Icebreakers and networking activities
Introduction to the course and participants
Overview of the course methodology and expectations
Exploring the concept of creativity and its importance in various contexts
Defining active citizenship and its role in promoting social change
Group discussions: Sharing personal experiences and perspectives on creativity and active citizenship

Day 2: Creativity and active citizenship

Exploring the concept of creativity and its importance for problem-solving
Practical exercises: Changing perspectives and fostering creativity
Understanding active citizenship from diverse viewpoints
Strategies for promoting active citizenship in educational settings

Day 3: Integrating creativity and citizenship

Examining the interconnection between creativity and active citizenship
Fostering critical thinking and active participation in daily life
Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local culture and sustainable practices
Post-visit activities: Incorporating cultural and environmental elements into creative projects

Day 4: Creative problem-solving and critical thinking

Contrasting creative thinking and linear thinking
Questioning our environment to develop critical skills
Creative challenges and problem-solving activities across educational levels
Group activity: Collaboratively designing a project on citizenship and creativity

Day 5: Ethics, democracy, and sustainable development

Exploring ethical considerations in democracy (climate change, demographic challenges, etc.)
Applying the Six Thinking Hats Theory to foster creativity
Tools and habits for cultivating a creative mindset
Group activity: Presenting and peer-reviewing citizenship and creativity projects
Course evaluation and feedback
Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

Analyze the role of creativity as an element of personal development and effective problem-solving in various contexts.
Develop the ability to understand elements in a new way, breaking barriers between different areas, and promoting an innovative approach to problem-solving.
Foster social development through active participation, aiming to improve the quality of life for all citizens while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Integrate the values of active citizenship, democracy, creativity, problem-solving, and sustainable development into their teaching practices and curricula.
Design creative projects related to their respective fields, incorporating elements of active citizenship and sustainable development.
Create democratic activities and motivating contexts that develop active citizenship competencies across different subjects and levels.
Apply various problem-solving techniques to address day-to-day situations and future challenges, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their social and environmental contexts.
Utilize information and communication technologies (ICT) as tools for continuous learning, content creation, and fostering motivation among learners.
Enhance their English language competence and collaborate with educators from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Evaluate and implement creative thinking habits as tools for personal and social development, promoting innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Integrate cultural elements and inspiration from local heritage and sustainable practices into their creative projects and teaching methodologies, promoting inclusive and environmentally conscious practices.

Course fee:

400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

At least 25 hours of course content;
Course materials;
Certificate of participation;
Europass, on request;
Learning / Mobility Agreement;
Visits to local institutions, if available;
Personalized support;
Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
Refreshments;
Administration costs;
Dissemination materials.

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