Abstract:

Eclipse is an European Project involving the participation of 6 different European partners, such as Italy (the University of Trento is the Coordinator of the Project), Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal and Romania. The partners, with the contribution of some teachers from the countries involved, have elaborated a set of teaching, monitoring and testing materials to promote in pupils of 7, 8 and 9 grades the development of European civic competences, which imply not only political literacy, critical thinking, and active participation to the society, but also a sense of belonging to Europe and European identity, the capability to reflect on the future of Europe, the awareness of the links between citizens of different countries. The above cited materials, involving six European Citizenship Modules (human rights and responsibility, social identity and cultural diversity; what is the EU - the EU in the daily life; European Citizenship; the European Cooperation process and the work of the main European Institutions), one questionnaire of beliefs, one test of knowledge and two different Portfolios (one for students and one for teachers) have been implemented by the teachers at school, after the participation to an international teacher training course. The results of the first learning experiences with ECLIPSE materials, will give the partners some important information to adjust the tools in order to make them as much efficacious as possible in contributing to a society characterized by democratic citizenship and responsible participation, social cohesion, intercultural understanding, respect for diversity and human rights.

Keywords:

European, Citizenship, Education, Secondary Schools.