For the past three years Dr Tracey McKay and Dr Angela Vaupel have worked with colleagues from seven other partner universities on an EU-funded research and development project known as PAM-INA (Perception, Attitude, Movement – Identity Needs Action).
One of the aims of the PAM-INA project was to produce quality learning and teaching material on European ‘identity’ and EU citizenship for post-primary schools. To achieve this goal the PAM-INA consortium commenced with an analysis of post-primary curricula in the eight partner countries. Having identified where and how 'Europe' is present in national curricular contexts, the consortium undertook a survey of 3,000 post-primary students across the eight countries. The aim of the survey was to identify the perceptions of and attitudes towards Europe held by young people in Northern Ireland, Germany, Sweden, France, Slovenia, Cyprus, Poland and Greece.
The results obtained helped to inform the development of three Toolkits. Toolkit A deals with the theme of 'Europe in My Daily Life' and is aimed at students aged 12-14 years; Toolkit B looks at 'Cultural Questions in Europe' and is aimed at 14-16 year-olds, while Toolkit C addresses the theme of 'Active EU Citizenship' and is aimed at learners aged 16-18 years. During the lifetime of the project St Mary's University College worked with teachers and students from nine local post-primary schools who participated in the survey and 'experienced' Toolkits A, B and C in the classroom. St Mary's recognises the vital role played by enthusiastic principals, teachers and students, without whose support, hard work and dedication the PAM-INA project would not have been possible.
PAM-INA Toolkit A
Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry; The Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Newry; St Columb's College, Derry; St Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore.
PAM-INA Toolkit B
St Patrick's College, Banbridge; Colaiste Feirste, Belfast; St Columb's College, Derry.
PAM-INA Toolkit C
Dominican College, Portstewart; Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry; St Mark's High School, Warrenpoint.
In addition to the materials produced for post-primary schools, the consortium has also developed a Teacher Education unit known as PAM-INA ITT (PAM-INA In Teacher Training). This resource is aimed at students in initial teacher education as well as the in-service professional development of teachers. The final PAM-INA resources will be available soon as a DVD resource. The academic output from the PAM-INA project has also resulted in the publication of two peer-reviewed books where Dr McKay and Dr Vaupel have contributed chapters on Northern Ireland.
For more information on the PAM-INA project or to express interest in obtaining PAM-INA resources please contact Dr Tracey McKay or Dr Angela Vaupel.
Photographed below are members of the PAM-INA Consortium at a project meeting hosted by St Mary's University College, Belfast.
Front [left to right]: Prof M Wise (External Evaluator); Prof Dr O Mentz (Project Co-ordinator: University of Education, Freiburg, Germany); Dr A Klonari (University of the Aegean, Greece); Dr P Clerc (University of Lyon, France); Dr D Pirog (Pedagogical University of Krakow, Poland); Dr T McKay (St Mary's University College Belfast, N Ireland); Dr A Vaupel (St Mary's University College Belfast, N Ireland).
Back [left to right] Dr T Resnik Planic (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia); Ms S Kary (University of Education, Freiburg, Germany); Ms N Koukouroubli (University of the Aegean, Greece); Dr D Chevalier (University of Lyon, France); Dr L Niklasson, Malardalen University Eskilstuna, Sweden).
Absent from photograph: Dr S Philippou (European University of Cyprus); Dr L Symeou (European University of Cyprus); Prof T Terkenli (University of the Aegean, Greece); Dr M Puklek Levpuscek (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia); Dr V Porhel (University of Lyon, France); Prof Dr J Nerb (University of Education, Freiburg, Germany).