Cultural heritage represents a group of values that shape the identity of different communities, thus playing an important role in the articulation of united societies.

It serves as a hub – the concept of a universal, objective, and valued legacy. Culture is not only linked to the past, it shapes future values, and it is deeply personal and experiential.

One of the main missions of the Erasmus+ programmes, courses and projects is to explore and protect culture, educate students and teachers about its significance and enable future generations to form societies that value heritage, inclusion, diversity and tolerance.

Why is multicultural education important?

Lifelong education in cultural heritage means increasing individual and community-based knowledge through different flexible and interdisciplinary activities that also contribute to the accomplishment of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

It also helps to:

• create cultural identity – an essential element that provides a sense of belonging
• explore individual values – helps in the understanding of roots and fostering pride
• set a platform for inclusion, diversity and tolerance
• lower bullying and cyberbullying
• learn about the past– valuable lessons about traditional practices, such as crafts, rituals, arts, stories etc.
• safeguarde – as a means of preserving nature, monuments, expressions of human creativity and knowledge

Culture differentiates communities and it is a starting ground for strengthening bonds and improving inclusion and tolerance. Multicultural education promotes equity for all students, regardless of culture by incorporating different cultural histories, stories, beliefs, values and perspectives.

Key Approach – How to do it?

Through the process of breaking cultural barriers, students learn how to love and appreciate differences.  There are many ways to teach cultural heritage and put another cultural perspective into the curriculum. When teaching culture in the classroom, you must consider the diversity of your students. You should try to create a learning environment and cultural awareness that is respectful and allows for cultural exchange.

7 suggestions:

• critically analyse learning materials and policies for potential cultural biases and discriminatory content
• strive to meet and understand their students’ backgrounds
• maintain quality communication throughout the school year
• help students to reflect on their experiences and propose changes
• include outdoor activities, experiential learning, hands-on activities such
• invite other lecturers with different backgrounds to enhance comprehension of cultural diversities
• use digital technologies to present information

For example, instead of teaching history from an Eurocentric perspective, try including perspectives from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.  Of course, Many themes could be explored languages, biology, chemistry, maths, art, music, and other subjects. Also, while visiting places of historical and local significance, incourage students to use digital technology to capture moments and interesting findings that they will present in the classroom.

Erasmus+ Programme

Throughout the years, Maksima Teacher Training Centre developed Erasmus+ Courses focused on heritage, inclusion, diversity, tolerance, experiential and hands-on multicultural learning. Erasmus+ programme strives to form sensible individuals with a set of lifelong values, who can make a difference in future societies. Cultural diversity and tolerance foster peace by demanding respect for human life regardless of different traditions, histories, and customs. Nevertheless, cultural heritage prepares students for the future, for jobs, opportunities, other research and decision-making, but more importantly for the creation of a more loving and accepting society.

Erasmus+ Courses for Cultural Education

For this matter, in Erasmus+ Courses Croatia we created a KA1 teacher training course focused on experiential learning about cultural heritage in the case study of Split, Croatia. With this course – Cultural Heritage Education: Experiential Learning on the case study of Split, Croatia – we aim to connect with every participant and set multicultural values for further personal and professional development. This Erasmus+ course is designed for teachers and educational staff who wish to deepen their understanding of multicultural practices through experiential and outdoor learning, and to integrate the acquired knowledge in their teaching practice.

4 important objectives:

• to broaden collaboration skills, knowledge and experiential approach to learning through sigthseeing tours, lectures, discussions, and interactive workshops
• to raise awareness of the importance of culture, strenghtening the identities and diversity
• to promote multiculural inclusion for creating healthy classroom of open-minded and ambitious young people
• to set critical perspective for future experiences

Take a look at our course on this link: https://erasmuscoursescroatia.com/courses/cultural-heritage-of-split-croatia-local-experience-with-local-experts-by-split-based-ttc/, and learn more about the course or contact us directly on info@erasmuscoursescroatia.com

We would be delighted to introduce you to our town and country for unforgettable cultural experience! Register and join us in Split, Croatia!