Citizenship and Human Rights Education for Change
In times of increasing extremism, xenophobia, violence, and radicalisation, it becomes crucial to build the capacity of education personnel, school leaders and education employers, to promote the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, tolerance, equality, human rights and solidarity, through education. Teaching and learning about democratic citizenship, human rights and EU common values is crucial for countering the negative forces of our time and building social inclusion in diverse educational contexts and learning environments. The power of education in this sense is unique and multiple: unique because there is no other environment or tool that touches families, social groups, communities and societies as a whole; multiple because where education is denied, other rights are denied, where it is upheld, other rights prosper.
This MOOC aims to foster the promotion of inclusive education, democratic citizenship and human rights through the transfer of knowledge about the definitions, frameworks and content of Human Rights Education as well as the analysis of existing and innovative practices on teaching styles, approaches and methods.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will have acquired:
- Understanding of the links between EU values, human rights and controversial/sensitive issues
- Knowledge of styles and methodologies in teaching and learning about citizenship and human rights
- Awareness of the role of teachers, educational staff and students in the transmission of values of freedom, democracy, tolerance, equality, human rights and solidarity
- Knowledge of good practices, methodologies and styles in teaching and learning on citizenship and human rights
- Knowledge and ownership of skills and attitudes that can enhance social, civic and intercultural competences and interactions
- Insights for the realisation of educational programmes, activities and assignments that promote diversity, mutual respect and intercultural dialogue
Course Outline
The course is articulated in three modules:
- Module 1 focuses on international and regional definitions and frameworks concerning Human Rights Education (HRE). Attention is devoted not only to the international and regional standards that are the core content of HRE but also to its goals, principles and main actors. Theoretical aspects are complemented by examples of pedagogical methods as well as good practices and current challenges in order to generally frame and give context to the topic.
- Module 2 is dedicated to more specific contexts and issues covering a number of areas (such as disability rights and migration) as well as aspects related to inclusive education (such as for instance inclusion of minorities or the preventative role of inclusive education against violence and extremism). Conceptual analysis and examples of teaching techniques from different countries provide an overview of the many situations that can be addressed in order to promote diversity, mutual respect and intercultural dialogue.
- Module 3 deals with the principles of the whole school and a rights-based approach to education. In particular, it pulls together the learning from the previous modules to stress the importance of participatory management of the school community, which involves addressing the needs of learners, education personnel and the wider community, not only within the curriculum, but across the whole-school and learning environment. In this light, the Module also offers a vision of human rights education as a right in itself but also a multiplier of other rights (right to, in and through education).
Methodology
The course encompasses a 6-week period. Participants are expected to engage in approximately 30 hours of active learning through readings, videos, discussions, group-work/role-plays and quizzes. The course is based on a participatory approach aimed at developing and reinforcing personal critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. Case studies will be used to identify cross-regional and cross-cutting issues and enable a global and multidimensional understanding of the topic.
Certificate of Participation
At the end of the course, participants who have actively contributed to 2 weekly discussions and successfully completed 6 quizzes will receive a certificate confirming their participation.
Target Audience
We designed this course for education personnel, school leaders and education employers, as well as secondary level students, in both the formal and informal education sector. Being a Massive Open Online Course, anyone else with a keen interest or experience in the area of Human Rights Education is also welcome to join.