1 Using the European heart materials in school

1.1        Description of the pilots

The project has identified two approaches to addressing basic needs in the curricula of the participating countries (Austria, France and Greece):

• Direct: Transfer of cognitive knowledge in psychology (Maslow's pyramid of needs), religion and economics (needs related to consumption and markets).
• Indirect: in terms of attitude towards pupils: The needs, interests and talents of pupils should be included in the teaching process.

The Open Educational Resources developed by the “The European Heart Project: Youth for democracy! Strengthening democratic skills building on basic human needs” and piloted in the schools add a new dimension to these approaches addressing the issue of basic human needs first on a theoretical basis and then in practical and experience-oriented work materials according to William Glasser’s (1999) "Choice Theory" and the strategies to fulfill them according to Marshall Rosenberg's theory of non-violent communication (2013).

At least three school classes from Austria, France and Greece participated in the pilot implementation of the project's open educational resources for one semester in specially designed workshops.

The project's educational materials can be used independently or in interdisciplinary activities in history, ethics, social studies, psychology, as well as in projects on democracy, human rights or similar topics.

Each activity of the pilot was validated by the participating teachers and pupils, as well as by experts who validated the educational materials and offered their feedback. Experiences of the participating schools through the pilots and benefits.