Dialect 5 News

As part of the DIALECT 5 project, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) developed a new educational resource entitled “Teaching Personal, Social and Democratic Competences in Physical Education: A Practical Toolkit for Physical Education Teachers”. Building on the findings of the project’s Needs Assessment and previous DIALECT resources, the toolkit was adapted to the context of primary education, addressing the needs of Physical Education professionals working with children aged 9–12. It combines the established DIALECT methodology with new elements of democratic education, placing particular emphasis on equality, non-discrimination and children’s active participation in decisions that affect them. The toolkit provides practical pedagogical approaches and activities to help Physical Education teachers create inclusive, engaging and socially responsible learning environments. Through movement-based activities, team games, structured reflection and the football3 methodology, it promotes the development of personal, social, emotional and democratic competences, including self-awareness, empathy, cooperation, conflict resolution, respect for diversity and collective responsibility. Incorporating feminist and intersectional perspectives, the resource also addresses the diverse backgrounds and experiences of children, ensuring that every child has equal opportunities to participate, express their voice and contribute to the group. To support its implementation across the four participating countries, the adapted toolkit was also translated into the partners’ national languages and are available to download in the outcomes section of DIALECT5. 

Dialect 5 News

Τhe DIALECT 4 project has officially started, bringing together its partnership in Budapest for the first project meeting. Partners gathered to discuss and establish the roadmap for the initial months of implementation, focusing on the first key activity: the Needs Assessment. This phase aims to explore how Physical Education in primary schools can become a more inclusive and democratic learning environment, addressing stereotypes and discrimination related to ethnic and cultural diversity, physical appearance and gender, while promoting equality, non-discrimination and children’s active participation in decision-making. The Needs Assessment will combine desk research on existing literature, policies and primary school Physical Education curricula with an online survey targeting Physical Education professionals, focus groups with educational authorities and school community representatives, and interviews with children aged 9–12. The research will be conducted across the four participating countries, Greece, Italy, Hungary and Serbia, examining existing practices, challenges and opportunities for integrating inclusive pedagogical approaches and democratic values into school Physical Education and extracurricular sports activities. The findings will provide the evidence base for adapting the DIALECT methodology and developing practical tools that foster social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, equality and active citizenship through sport.