Shared Values in Europe – Reality or Illusion?
In this lesson, students explore the core values and goals of the European Union and analyze how these values are perceived and practiced across EU member states. By working with the Atlas of European Values, they compare attitudes on social and political issues, identify controversial values, and reflect on differences between countries. The lesson encourages critical thinking, comparison, and discussion about democracy and shared European principles. It can be used as a starting point for an in-depth discussion or project-based learning on the question how to strengthen European values in its member states.
Didactic notes
In this lesson, students explore the core values and goals of the European Union and analyze how these values are perceived and practiced across EU member states. By working with the Atlas of European Values, they compare attitudes on social and political issues, identify controversial values, and reflect on differences between countries. The lesson encourages critical thinking, comparison, and discussion about democracy and shared European principles. It can be used as a starting point for an in-depth discussion or project-based learning on the question how to strengthen European values in its member states.
The lesson can be taught in a traditional class setting or in self-directed learning settings.
For use in self-directed learning settings use the Worksheet “guiding questions” to give students background info and instructions on the steps to follow.
Add QR Codes with links to collaborative online tools. Step A: Word cloud generators like Mentimeter, Mootimeter for Moodle etc. Make sure that the tool works asynchronously and not just live as students will answer at different times. Step F: bulletin board tools like Taskcards, Padlet etc. Create a column for each group to collect ideas.
Material & Downloads
- Internet-enabled device for each learner;
- projector or digital board for classroom teaching;
- word cloud tool;
- online board;
- Worksheets M1 and M2;
⬇ Download
- guiding-questions worksheet for self-directed learning.
⬇ Download
Introduction & Activation
Time: 15 minutes
Introduce the European Union and its general ideas.
The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 European countries. These countries are very different. They have different histories, cultures, religions, economies, and political systems. Even so, all EU member states have agreed to work together. They cooperate on laws, the economy, and the protection of rights. The EU is based on shared values that should apply to all member states. However, it is often debated whether these values are accepted and lived in the same way in every country. In this lesson, you will examine which EU values are controversial and think about how they could be strengthened.
Students compile their ideas about shared values within the EU using an online word cloud tool. Share spontaneous ideas about shared European values. Type them into the application. Initiate a short classroom discussion on the outcome.
Materials / tools
Teacher presentation; classroom discussion; whole class.
Word cloud tool, e.g. charts.kits.app, Wooclap or Mentimeter; internet-enabled device; projector
Research Phase I
Time: 15 minutes
Connect the students’ ideas to reality. Students research the official EU values and complete Worksheet M1. Gather information using the official website of the European Union.
Materials / tools
Individual work; internet-enabled device; Worksheet M1; official EU website
Comparison
Time: 5 minutes
Results are presented and compared in class or in pairs.
Materials / tools
Whole class or pair work; Worksheet M1
Research Phase II
Time: 10 minutes
Students get to know the topics presented in the Atlas of European Values and assign them to the values. Work with a partner: Mark the EU values in different colors. Then connect the topics to one or more values by using the same colors. Some topics can belong to more than one value.
Materials / tools
Pair work; Worksheet M1
Analysis Phase
Time: 20 minutes
The teacher briefly introduces the Atlas of European Values and demonstrates the map tools on the projector or digital board. Assign each pair 4–6 countries depending on timing. The students then analyze two values, using three topics as markers for implementation in different EU countries. Research the assigned countries and document your results in Worksheet M2.
Materials / tools
Pair work; projector or digital board; internet-enabled device (ideally laptop, computer or tablet); Worksheet M2; Atlas of European Values
Discussion
Time: 10 minutes
Students discuss their findings from the analysis and assess controversial values in pairs. Results are briefly shared in class. Discuss your findings with your partner and identify the most controversial EU values.
Materials / tools
Pair work; whole class; Worksheet M2
Reflection & Closure
Time: 15 minutes
Key findings are summarized and a follow-up task is assigned. This can also be the starting point of a more intense project on strengthening EU values. Students first reflect on the question, then share their ideas with a different partner and present their points in a new group of four. Propose ideas to strengthen EU values. Save your results on the task card board.
Materials / tools
Think-Pair-Share; individual work; pair work; groups of four; online board, e.g. TaskCards or Padlet