We Give Peace a Chance (LS-GR-544)
This learning scenario provides students with the opportunity to explore the topic of peace, research into ways of dealing with conflict, investigate and discuss acts of courage, enrich their vocabulary, collaborate, produce and reflect on their own work. It enhances cooperation, human dignity and respect of human rights, encourages the development of empathy and media literacy, and inspires learners to take positive action in the local and global community.
We imagine, act and give peace a chance
Students are first introduced to the topic of peace with the song “Imagine“, observe selected resources of Europeana and discover and share how peace is conveyed in them. Then, they share with the class what peace is for them, using their imagination and self-reflection. Next, they are asked to explore the stories of Anne Frank and Malala Yousafzai and engage their senses to connect to peace. Then, they discuss their work and prepare an ebook while translating their ideas into appropriate action to promote peace. Finally, they reflect on their work to evaluate their participation. Students are assessed with a rubric that focuses on specific learning activities. There is, also, a rubric for the teacher to reflect on the implementation of the learning scenario.
Implementation
The LS was, actually, implemented separately in all three classes of the 6th grade, and both the process and the products showed that 75 students were highly engaged and motivated to explore a real-world issue, discover the stories of Anne Frank and Malala Yousafzai, use their imagination and creativity, contribute constructively to their teamwork, assume responsibilities to achieve a common goal and pursue solutions. After completing the lesson, some students even brought books they had at home about Anne Frank and Malala Yousafzai and read parts of them to the whole class. They also got engaged in further research into antisemitism, human rights and gender equity, and, voluntarily, created a video presentation and a PowerPoint presentation to promote peace.
Europeana goes eTwinning and Global
The learning scenario was integrated into the eTwinning project “Let’s go Eco” with the Czech and French partners contributing their ideas. “We give a chance” LS was also implemented in the global collaboration of the Greek class in the Goals Project. The class was honoured to be invited to present their work on Sustainable Development Goal 16 in the global community on the “Day of Solutions” live event on March 4th, giving students’ learning a global perspective and impact.
Conclusion
This LS created an authentic learning experience with students having the opportunity to learn, discuss, collaborate, practice, discover, share resources and ideas, suggest solutions to problems and develop good citizenship. It contributed to the building of creative, inclusive, anti-racist and democratic school culture.
Would you like to know more about this learning scenario? You can download it below:
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Public Domain Mark 1.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Rijksmuseum.