Enhancement of awareness about diversity of cultures and provision of equal opportunities for obtaining social and learning skills in international cooperation

2008-2009

Project “Enhancement of awareness about diversity of cultures and provision of equal opportunities for obtaining social and learning skills in international cooperation” (UNESCO participation program 2008-2009). Leaded by Jaan Tonnisson Institute (Estonia).

Aims of the project: 1.The aim of the project is the enhancement of awareness by learning about different cultures. To achieve this aim a relevant research methodology and a questionnaire will be developed in international cooperation and the results of the study (survey) can support curriculum development for promotion of learning about multiculturalism and peace education on global scale in general comprehensive schools, higher educational institutions and teacher training institutions; 2. The aim of the project is to provide students with equal opportunities for obtaining social and learning skills. This aim can be reached by recommendations developed according to results of the study for organizing the content and methodology of learning; 3. One of the essential aims of the project is development of contacts and a network of chairs of UNESCO in different countries.

Within the project a questionnaire for the study will be developed in cooperation with all participating international partners (Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Latvia, and the USA). All partners will be included by carrying out the study (respondents being high school students and university students) in participating countries, which will enable to specify the students’ knowledge, attitudes and comprehension of multiculturalism and peace culture.
The results of the study will be analyzed in international cooperation. The study will indicate the typology of knowledge, attitudes and comprehension of multiculturalism and peace education of both, the adolescents and grown-ups as well as inadequacies in the mentioned fields. According to results overviews and recommendations (as a publication) will be compiled for improvement of the content and methodology when discussing multiculturalism and peace education in the process of learning.

The publication will be disseminated internationally. The recommendations can be used for curriculum development and practical processes of education in different countries
Organizations active in the field of education and culture will be invited to join the project, including chairs of UNESCO with a similar profile.