TASKs for democracy

Activity 7
A community of learners
DESCRIPTION
Original activity contributed by Madalena Mendes
Focus: this activity will help facilitators with group building and raising participant awareness of their individual
capabilities and assets and how these contribute to the whole group’s capacity. It can be adapted to
be used in classrooms.
Target group: pre-/in-service teachers of age groups 3-5/6-10/10-14/14-18/adult learners
Expected learning outcomes:
A_DIV_1: Acceptance of diversity as a positive value for the environment and the survival of humankind
S_HR_2: Capacity to prevent the marginalisation of any individual or group
K_COOP_3: Understanding of how co-operation can support the prevention of conflict, discrimination
and violence
Type of activity: Introductory/ice-breaking
PROCEDURE
Introduction
Introduce the activity by giving a short talk on attitudes, skills and knowledge (see task sheet).
Step 1 (reflecting – 10 minutes)
1. Group the participants in a circle, then ask one to join the three participants on his/her right to a microgroup.
Continue around the circle.
2. Each member, individually, writes down attitudes, skills and knowledge that they feel they can “mobilise”
to contribute to education for democratic citizenship/human rights education (EDC/HRE).
Step 2 (sharing – 15 minutes)
1. Now, as a group, participants should share their qualities (attitudes, skills and knowledge) and note down
the main areas in which the micro-group possesses attitudes, skills and knowledge.
2. Each micro-group presents its qualities to the entire group, with members sharing the task.
Step 3 (debriefing – 5 minutes)
Hold a short debriefing session to explore the following questions.
What do you think this activity is for?
Would you use this in your classroom? How would you adapt it?
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