For schools

Introduction

Education is a fundamental pillar in the mission of the Gernika Peace Museum. Since its foundation, the museum has aimed not only to preserve the historical memory of the bombing of Gernika, but also to educate current and future generations about the importance of peace, empathy and respect for human rights. In the museum’s educational area, a series of workshops designed to address these issues in an interactive and meaningful way are held.

Methodology and Pedagogy of the Educational Area

The methodology and pedagogy of the educational area are based on several fundamental principles that ensure that the activities are effective and meaningful for the participants.

The following are the highlights of this methodology.

1. 🧠 🔬Experiential learning

One of the pillars of the museum’s educational methodology is experiential learning. Rather than focusing solely on the transmission of theoretical information, activities are designed to provide practical experiences that enable participants to learn in an active and meaningful way.

2. 🧑‍🦱👩Participant-centred approach

The learning area adopts a participant-centred approach, recognising that each person has a unique way of learning and experiencing the world. Activities are designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs and characteristics of participants. This means that different learning styles, levels of prior knowledge and personal experiences are taken into account, with the aim of making each exercise accessible and relevant to everyone.

3. 🧠 🧐Encouraging critical reflection

Another important aspect is the encouragement of critical reflection. The workshops focus not only on the acquisition of knowledge, but also on the development of critical thinking skills. Through group discussions and reflective activities, participants are encouraged to question, analyse and reflect on the topics addressed, developing a deeper and more nuanced understanding.

4. 🎨 🎭Using art as a teaching tool

Art plays a central role in the Museum’s pedagogy. It is used as a powerful tool to explore and express ideas and emotions related to peace, empathy and human rights. Through various exercises, participants have the opportunity to channel their feelings, thoughts and content in a creative and meaningful way.

5. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 💡Promotion of group work

Collaboration and group work are fundamental skills that are actively promoted. Many of the activities are designed to be carried out in teams, encouraging cooperation, dialogue and mutual support among participants. This approach not only enhances the learning experience, but also teaches important values such as respect, solidarity and empathy.

The workshops and activities in the educational area of the Gernika Peace Museum address a variety of important historical and social issues. Some of the most prominent topics include:

⚔️ 🪖 Spanish Civil War: Participants explore the events and consequences of the Spanish Civil War, with a focus on the human and social impact of the conflict.

💣💣Bombing of Gernika: The bombing of Gernika, a tragic event in history that symbolises the devastation of war and the resilience of the community, is analysed in depth.

🚷🏠Exile: Workshops address the experiences of exile and forced displacement, exploring the stories of those who were forced to leave their homes.

📜 🏛️ History of Gernika-Lumo: A comprehensive overview of the history of Gernika-Lumo is offered, highlighting its cultural importance and its resilience over time.

The aim of this programme is to advise teachers when planning their visit to the Museum. We set out to give a few necessary guidelines so that you can make a tour adapted to the needs of students and teachers around the Permanent Exhibition, the tours and the Temporary Exhibitions.

For this reason, we have launched a series of initiatives with the aim of supporting the work of the teacher or group leader, whose participation is absolutely crucial:

1. 📞📲Telephone service (+34 94 627 02 13) giving information on the contents of the Museum, designed to offer orientation.
2. 🧑‍🦱👩 It is possible to prepare the visit beforehand in the Museum, with the materials and assessment that the teacher needs.
3. 📖💻 The museum makes available to teachers a wide selection of educational material through different platforms: Youtube (visits, presentations…), Instagram (news,…), and so on.
4. 💻📧 Consultations can be made via email (hezkuntza@bakearenmuseoagernika.eus). Please note that, in many cases, this is the quickest and most efficient means of communication, as it is not restricted by office hours like telephone enquiries.