Communicating Literature and Culture

In this project we aim to increase students’ literacy rates, their appreciation of literature and their cultural awareness. In doing so, we wish to better equip students for higher academic studies and working abroad by developing their reading comprehension and critical thinking. The background to our project is the drastic drop in literacy among teenagers today. They need help to advance their reading and analytical skills. 21 students each, aged 17-18, from Greece, Spain, Norway, Austria and Sweden will participate in international meetings where classic and contemporary authors are presented and their texts analyzed and discussed. A further 5-600 students will participate without travelling. The students will also participate in study visits and different cultural exchanges in order to broaden their understanding of the world and see different viewpoints. After participating in this project our students will be more comfortable speaking English and have a fuller understanding and appreciation of literature.The methods and ideas used in this project by participating teachers will be conveyed to the rest of the schools and spread to other colleagues through national networks, school webpages and e-Twinning. The resulting lesson plans and reading list could be used at many schools, as they will be freely available at e-twinning.The methods and ideas we learn from the different schools will continue to be used to improve academic results and help prepare students who wish to work or study abroad. Participating schools will increase their reputation and popularity. A successful project may also lead to other joint collaboration ideas.