PROJECT CODE: 2013-1-TR1-ERA10-48727

Coordinator University: SAKARYA UNIVERSITY

Main objective(s) of the programme

Citizenship of the European Union affect intercultural relationships between societies with multi-cultures. In order to integrate different cultures and foster cultural interactions at the university level for developing Citizenship of European Union, we will focus on the topic, “Using Schools for Developing European Citizenship” under Erasmus program. As teachers, we hold the responsibility to transfer knowledge to all individuals. When we look at this from this angle, the Erasmus program aims to develop European Citizenship in schools. Academicians and students who are involved in teacher education in the EU form the target group in this issue. Teachers who will educate European Citizenships should have a broad perspective and understanding on different cultures and Europian Union. At the end of the IP it will be highlighted that Citizenship of the European Union issues are essential part of teacher training. This IP will contribute to develop necessary knowledge and skills in order to teach in European Union for developing European Citizenship . It’s possible to have an educational system covering European Union values which have and improve citizenship responsibilities and are connected with the various lifestyles throughout the European society. The EU, as in all social areas, doesn’t dictate country members to practice a specific model for citizenship education. On the other hand each member country should develop citizenship and practice a system which is suitable to its own socio-economic structure while integrating the common values of the European community. The EU doesn’t have a specific educational policy but stands by having similar educational systems. In this issue, programs are practicing which is necessary for conformity; work on common system without losing countries’ own qualities.

The EU member countries improve educational systems connected with their national qualities, common principles and policies organizing and improving some criteria. In order to become a full member of EU, Turkey has to bring its level of education to the standards of the EU. For countries to be modernized, it’s essential that the young generation can access information, use technology, do research, solve problems and make proper decisions using critical thinking. Educational institutions are responsible to provide these facilities for the young people. The success of this modernization is also closely related to the quality of the teachers. Unfortunately, often teachers face these responsibilities without the appropriate resources and experience, in both the professional and emotional sense of the word. This may influence their expectations of and attitudes towards their students. The fact that teachers take part in the socialization of their pupils, combined with the fact that their classrooms are often the nexus of many different cultures means that teachers must not only be competent in their field or specialization, but must also have what is called “intercultural competence.” Intercultural competence can be understood as the necessary skills and attitudes to suspend one’s own beliefs about cultures (both own and other) while learning about general processes of societal and individual interaction in familiar and unfamiliar cultures.