DIFFERENT BUT TOGETHER!

<< Background >>Through continuous monitoring of students, we have noticed that students are increasingly using digital aids: smartphones and tablets. All information is readily and easily available to them. All this causes short-term memory in students and reduced cognitive abilities. They are showing less and less interest in lasting values (necessary for lifelong learning) and find it very hard to express themselves. Through conversations with students and conducted surveys, we have noticed their poor knowledge about their own culture and traditions. Another problem we have noticed is poor oral communication of students. They tend not to communicate verbally with each other which results in increased difficulties with expressing their own opinions, attitudes and feelings. By including students in drama workshops it was noticed that through role playing students work much more easily in a team, take a stand and express their view on different topics. That was especially noticed in students with behavioral difficulties.<< Objectives >>The goal of the project is to develop students' awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a guardian of our own national identity. By getting to know the culture and traditions of other nations, by noticing similarities and differences between nations and their traditions, we wanted to increase tolerance and acceptance of the different and diverse among students. This path is a step towards creating a peaceful coexistence between nations. Moreover, implemetation of dramatic methods in classes encourages a relaxed atmosphere that enables students to express themselves easily and icreases their creativity and self-esteem. Such approach provides easier mastering of teaching content and reduces inappropriate behavior in class. By learning about new digital tools students will be able to present the project and its results from their own perspective.<< Implementation >>During the implementation of the project, we organized visits to several cultural institutions (theatre, museum, library) and got to know their activities and employees. We researched the customs, legends and traditions of project participants. We participated in the creation of the project logo. In mobilities we organized numerous workshops and activities. In Austria we were introduced to various drama methods under the expert guidance of a drama pedagogue. In Croatia the students and their teachers prepared two theatrical performances by William Shakespeare using the knowledge gained in Austria. We also attended handicraft workshops (making licit hearts and ceramic vessels, workshop of Lepoglava lace ). In Turkey we got to know their legends through dramatic methods. In Poland, under the expert guidance of professional actors, students mastered the basic techniques important for acting and tried to solve the problem of bullying through a dramatic presentation. A workshop on making traditional souvenirs - Macrame and preparing traditional food (pierogi) was organised. As a part of mobility activities, each participating organisation organized excursions where we got to know the history and traditions of the hosting country.<< Results >>Project resulted in a direct acquaintance with the historical and geographical features of the partner countries and their traditions along with the expansion of our knowledge, which was limited to textbook material. This way the participants of the project activities are encouraged to respect those who are different while developing mutual acceptance and tolerance. By organized visits to cultural institutions (theatre, museum, library) students had the opportunity to see its activity and employees (screenwriters, directors, costume designers). The next important result is active application of dramatic methods adopted in project activities conducted by drama pedagogue and academic actors. These methods are applied in classes and in school events intended for the wider local community (students and their parents, colleagues, local population). Using digital tools all the results were presented to theparticipating organizations and the wider community. The results were presented on the school website, local newspapers, the official website of the projects and on Facebook page. Each organisation created an e-book that is available on the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform. The results were also presented at dissemination events.