REHAC LEARNING METHODOLOGY

The objective of the learning methodology is to provide trainers and other support staff overseeing the integration of refugees with a practical tool, offering a step by step approach to culture-based learning, leading to a better understanding of language and cultural norms of the host country, as well as offering an introductory course on competences and career orientation, with a view to entering the labour market.

A learning methodology prototype was created by the REHAC partners and will be applied on the target group of refugees during pilot-testing sessions in all project countries; while a separate module will be also created addressing trainers, explaining how this methodology can be used.  The Reinventing Europeans methodology aims at investigating, designing and delivering new and effective ways, through History, Art and Culture, of enhancing the language and key/job orientation competences of the refugees;  and enhancing the skills of the educators who train and support refugees, in order to implement the REHAC methodology.

A core assumption of the REHAC methodology is that a focus on culture and art can facilitate learning, especially for groups of learners who have suffered trauma, demonstrate a difficulty in communicating with new environments, not only because of language barriers but also because of a sudden and often forceful introduction into a new culture. Storytelling is a medium that can overcome the cultural barriers, release hidden emotions and open communication channels, which would lead to smoother and more effective learning: narrating stories about the lost homelands and listening to stories about the new homeland can explain in a more direct and effective way the common points and differences between the two cultures, tracing the passage for understanding the new culture and opening up the learning energies of the refugees.

It is thus proposed to use storytelling as the core element of the learning methodology, building around this concept the learning mechanics that will be exploited in the learning packages. Further elements of the learning methodology are:

• Adopting a student-based approach
• Applying interactive learning methods
• Complementing the learning sessions for refugees with psychological support offered by experts
• Using new technologies to make learning more relevant and attractive to young refugees
• Using informal methods of learning and groupwork to develop peer-learning opportunities
• Introducing art in all phases of learning, as a way of illustrating storytelling
• Introducing history as a context for storytelling.

You can access the REHAC Learning Methodology here.

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