Schoolture for Climate Change

Participatory Programmes in Education

What is a PARTICIPATORY PROCESS?

? The participatory process is based on the belief that those affected by a decision have the right to participate in the decision-making process.

Importance of Participatory Design for Climate Change in Education:

1. Real-World Relevance:
   Engaging students in participatory design processes allows them to address real-world climate challenges. It helps them understand the importance of sustainable practices, preparing them for future careers.
2. Empowerment and Ownership:
   By involving students in the design process, they gain a sense of ownership over their projects. This empowerment can lead to increased motivation and commitment to sustainability initiatives, as students see the direct impact of their contributions.
3. Cultural Sensitivity:
   Involving diverse stakeholders allows for a deeper understanding of local cultures and needs. This cultural sensitivity ensures that solutions are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially equitable.
4. Adaptation to Local Conditions:
   Participatory design emphasizes the importance of context. Students learn to assess local environmental conditions and community needs, leading to designs/ projects that are better suited for their specific surroundings.

Participatory design can be effectively integrated into all learning environments (primary and secondary schools, VET schools )through Project-Based Learning, Workshops and Community Engagement, Design Challenges, and Curriculum Integration.

Participatory design methodology can be applied across various vocational education profiles, particularly those that intersect with environmental sustainability, community engagement, and creative problem-solving, e.g. Architecture and Building Design, Environmental Science and Sustainability, Urban Planning and Development, Economy, Commerce, Renewable Energy Technology, Fashion and Textile Design, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Community Development and Social Work.

A COURSE LIKE NO OTHER!

The course is conducted by Giouli Athousaki, a passionate, energetic and experienced coordinator of educational and cultural projects and an accredited facilitator and trainer of Participatory Design Methodologies in Educational Programs for Sustainable Development.

Benefits of Participatory Design for Students:

Sustainable Mindset: By actively participating in climate action projects, students develop a sustainable mindset, encouraging them to adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives.

Enhanced Engagement: Students become more engaged in learning when they see the real-world relevance of their projects and can contribute to solutions for climate change.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Participatory design encourages students to think critically about environmental issues and develop innovative solutions, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Working with peers and community members fosters teamwork and communication skills, preparing students for collaborative efforts in their future careers.

Civic Responsibility: Engaging with the community helps students understand their role in society and encourages a sense of civic responsibility regarding environmental stewardship.

Real-World Connections: Students learn to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, making their education more meaningful and relevant to societal challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the concept of participatory design and its application in education.
• Learn to facilitate participatory workshops that involve learners in co-creating sustainable solutions.
• Use creative tools and methodologies to inspire environmental responsibility among learners.
• Learn to foster community-wide participation, engaging stakeholders inside and outside the school.
• Develop effective workshop leadership skills with specific outcomes using a Participation Plan.
• Use evaluation tools to monitor progress.
• Enhance students’ skills in creativity, fostering active citizenship around climate and public space issues, cultural identity, and community resilience.
• Foster an open and inclusive mindset towards diverse cultural perspectives on climate change.
• Establish connections between teachers/ educators/ NGO/ library staff from a variety of European backgrounds to facilitate future networking and partnership potential.

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge Outcomes:
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between culture and climate change.
Identify effective participatory design methodologies for climate-focused education.

Skill Outcomes:
Design and implement an educational activity that integrates cultural and climate change topics using participatory methods.
Facilitate discussions and workshops that encourage learners to co-create solutions for sustainability.

Attitudinal Outcomes:
Exhibit a proactive attitude towards embedding climate consciousness in education.
Value the diversity of cultural approaches to tackling environmental challenges.

Practical Outcomes:
Create a portfolio of teaching resources and participatory design activities for use in education.
Build a network of like-minded educators for ongoing collaboration on climate and cultural education initiatives.

The participants will be required to fill in a Needs Analysis before the course.

Minimum English level: B.1.

Methodology

Join us for an exciting week of learning! Each day, you will dive into three engaging sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours. We’ll make sure to keep things lively with a refreshing break between sessions. The course employs a dynamic and interactive methodology, incorporating various elements to ensure an engaging and effective learning experience. Here’s an overview of the key components:

Motivating and Entertaining Sessions
Our goal is to make learning enjoyable! The sessions will be filled with motivation and entertainment, ensuring that you can easily apply what you’ve learned when you’re back in your schools.

Funny and Participative Methodology
Say goodbye to dull lectures! We believe in learning through laughter and active participation. Our funny and participative approach will keep you engaged throughout the course.

Practical and Dynamic Nature
This course is all about hands-on learning! We’ve crafted a practical and dynamic experience, giving you the confidence to apply new techniques and strategies. Be prepared for interactive exercises that bring the concepts to life.

Ongoing Support
The learning doesn’t stop when the course ends! Join our forum and discussion groups to keep the exchange of good practices going. Use our evaluation tools to assess the impact of the course on your school. 

Certification details

Learning Agreement

Certificate of Attendance in line with Erasmus quality standards

Europass Mobility Document 

Costs:

The 560 EUR fee covers the course tuition, issuing the required Erasmus+ documents, coffee breaks, and a guided tour.

We offer an optional cultural programme in order to provide you with opportunities to explore the wonders of the area. All the details including the destinations and the prices will be sent to the participants two months before the course starts.