Exploring History, Mythology, and Traditions through Cultural Heritage

Course overview

This immersive 5-day course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and practical strategies to explore and integrate local cultural heritage into their teaching practices. Participants will delve into the rich tapestry of history, mythology, legends, and traditions that shape the cultural identity of Čakovec and Međimurje County.

The course will provide participants with a theoretical framework related to cultural heritage, enabling them to understand the significance of tangible (monuments, landscapes, objects) and intangible (languages, know-how, performing arts, music, etc.) elements in preserving and transmitting cultural memory.

Emphasis will be placed on creating experiential relationships between students and the past, exploring techniques for approaching historical events, mythology, legends, and traditions. Participants will learn how to utilize tangible and intangible heritage resources to inspire students, foster appreciation, and cultivate a sense of cultural identity and belonging.

The course will introduce participants to institutions and organizations dedicated to the promotion of cultural heritage, equipping them with sources for collecting data and integrating cultural elements into their teaching practices. Participants will learn techniques to motivate students to learn, research, and become active European citizens promoting their local culture and European identity.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate guided cultural visits within Čakovec and Međimurje County. These visits will allow participants to explore local heritage sites, museums, and cultural institutions, drawing inspiration and practical examples for integrating cultural elements into their lessons and activities.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Introduction to cultural heritage and local legacies

Icebreakers and networking activities
Introduction to the course and participants
Overview of the course methodology and expectations
Exploring terminology and concepts related to cultural heritage
Cultural heritage and lifelong learning skills
Group discussions: Sharing personal experiences and perspectives on cultural heritage education

Day 2: Approaching historical events and cultural traditions

Methods of approaching historical events, mythology, legends, and traditions
Utilizing tangible and intangible heritage resources
ICT tools for collecting data and sharing information
Hands-on activities: Exploring local cultural traditions and legends

Day 3: Inspiring students through cultural heritage

Learning from cultural heritage sites and institutions
ICT tools for creative activities
Activities that help students get inspired and create content
Examples of engaging cultural heritage activities
Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local heritage and sustainability practices
Post-visit activities: Incorporating local cultural elements into lesson plans

Day 4: Heritage education techniques

Methods and techniques for heritage education
Integrating cultural heritage into the curriculum
Group work: Developing cultural heritage-based lesson plans and activities

Day 5: Presentations and course wrap-up

Group work: Creating sample lesson plans and activities
Presentations: Participants share their cultural heritage-based lesson plans and activities
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 theoretical framework related to cultural heritage, recognizing the significance of tangible and intangible elements in preserving and transmitting cultural memory.
Utilize institutions and organizations dedicated to the promotion of cultural heritage as sources for collecting data and integrating cultural elements into their teaching practices.
Design experiential learning activities that create meaningful relationships between students and the past, fostering appreciation and a sense of cultural identity.
Implement techniques for approaching historical events, mythology, legends, and traditions, utilizing tangible and intangible heritage resources to inspire students.
Develop activities that encourage students to get inspired, create, and experience emotions related to cultural heritage, fostering a deeper connection with their local legacies.
Integrate techniques that motivate students to learn, research, and become active European citizens promoting their local culture and European identity.
Utilize ICT tools for collecting data, sharing information, and creating engaging cultural heritage-based activities and projects.
Collaborate with fellow educators to share best practices, strategies, and resources for incorporating cultural heritage into teaching practices.
Incorporate local cultural elements and sustainable practices observed during the guided cultural visits into their lesson plans and activities.
Develop a comprehensive action plan for integrating cultural heritage education into their teaching practices, promoting cultural awareness, appreciation, and preservation.

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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