Introduction and group-building activities

Module 1

Build connections, discover the course journey, and begin developing the Training Case that will accompany you throughout the programme.

Estimated Duration: 3 hours;

Lead Partner: NCK – Nordic Centre of Heritage Learning and Creativity (Sweden)

About this Module

This introductory module welcomes participants to the #ASenseofEU learning journey and establishes the foundations for the entire training programme. Through group-building activities, interactive discussions, and project presentations, participants become familiar with the course structure, learning approach, and the Training Case methodology that will accompany them throughout all modules.

The module creates a safe, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment where participants share their backgrounds, expectations, and personal connections to place and cultural heritage. It also introduces the objectives of the #ASenseofEU project and prepares participants for the experiential and participatory learning journey ahead.

Duration
3 Hours
 
 
 
 
 
Activities
Welcome & Course Introduction

Group-Building Activities

Introduction to the #ASenseofEU Project

Introduction to the Training Case

Expectations & Learning Journey
Lead Partner
NCK(Sweden)
Main Focus
Group Building
Introduction to the #ASenseofEU Project
Collaborative Learning
Training Case Introduction
Participant Engagement
Course Orientation

What will you learn?

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Module Schedule

Follow the recommended learning sequence below. Each step builds upon the previous one, combining conceptual presentations, collaborative activities, and reflection to help you apply the module content to your Training Case.

Understand the objectives and structure of the #ASenseofEU training programme as presented in this e-course

Share personal experiences, interests, and expectations with the group

Become familiar with the Training Case methodology used throughout the course.

Build connections within a collaborative learning environment

Recognise the role of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Sense of Place within the training journey.

Module Schedule

Follow the recommended learning sequence below. Each step builds upon the previous one, combining conceptual presentations, collaborative activities, and reflection to help you apply the module content to your Training Case.

Activity “Welcome & Course Introduction”

Activity”Getting to Know Each Other“

Break

Activity “Introduction to the #ASenseofEU Project”

Activity”The participants’ expectations”

Introducing Your Training Case

Throughout this course, you will progressively develop a Training Case based on a place, community, or Intangible Cultural Heritage element that is meaningful to you.

Each module will help you explore a different aspect of your chosen place—from understanding its heritage and sense of place to community engagement, digitalisation, and tourism development. By the end of the course, you will have transformed your ideas into a complete ICH-based tourism product, which you will present in Module 8.

Keep your notes, worksheets, and templates throughout the course, as you will build on them in every module.

Activities

Activity “Welcome & Course Introduction”

10 minutes • Presentation

Welcome participants to the #ASenseofEU e-course and introduce them to the learning journey, course structure, and how they will progress throughout the programme.

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the objectives and structure of the #ASenseofEU e-course .
  • Recognise the main topics explored throughout the course.
  • Understand how the Training Case connects the different modules.
  • Feel prepared to begin the learning journey.

10 minutes

  • Introductory presentation
  • Computer and projector, when delivered face to face
  • Access to the e-course

Prepare the introductory presentation and review the course structure in advance. Ensure that the presentation clearly introduces the purpose of the programme, the main thematic areas, the sequence of the modules, and the role of the Training Case.

When delivering the course face to face, check that the projector and presentation equipment are working correctly. When using the e-course independently, ensure that participants can access and navigate the module pages and resources.

Welcome participants and introduce the #ASenseofEU e-course.Present:

  • the overall purpose of the course;
  • the main thematic areas;
  • the structure and order of the modules;
  • the learning approach used throughout the programme;
  • the Training Case that participants will progressively develop;
  • the final presentation of the completed Training Case in Module 8.

Allow a few minutes for questions and clarify how participants should use the activities, templates, presentations, and supporting resources available in the e-course.

Before and After

    • Create a welcoming atmosphere: Begin the course with a positive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable introducing themselves, sharing their expectations, and engaging with the group.
    • Introduce the learning journey: Clearly explain the objectives, structure, and methodology of the #ASenseofEU training programme, highlighting how each module contributes to the development of the final Training Case.
    • Encourage active participation: Invite participants to ask questions, share their motivations, and contribute to the discussion from the very beginning.
    • Promote inclusion: Ensure that every participant feels welcomed and valued, encouraging respectful interaction and active listening regardless of age, background, or previous experience.
    • Be flexible: Adapt the introduction to the needs and experience of the group, providing additional explanations where necessary and supporting participants who may be unfamiliar with the learning platform or methodology.

  • Additional Tips:

    • Maintain an enthusiastic and encouraging tone to create a positive first impression of the course.
    • Keep the introduction concise while ensuring participants clearly understand what they will learn and how the Training Case will develop throughout the programme.
    • Allow time for participants to clarify any questions before moving to the next activity.
    • Encourage participants to actively engage with the e-course resources and refer back to them throughout the training programme.

Activity “Getting to Know Each Other“

45 minutes • Group Activity 

This icebreaker activity helps participants become familiar with one another and begin building a collaborative learning environment. By introducing themselves and sharing a personal symbol that represents their identity, participants establish connections, encourage open communication, and create a positive atmosphere for the learning journey ahead.

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

    • Introduce themselves to the group.
    • Build initial connections with other participants.
    • Reflect on their own identity through a personal symbol.
    • Contribute to a welcoming and collaborative learning environment.

20 minutes

  • Name tags or blank cards
  • Markers or pens
  • Optional decorative materials (stickers, coloured pencils, etc.)

Prepare name tags or blank cards and ensure that every participant has access to drawing materials. Arrange the room to encourage interaction and explain that the purpose of the activity is to help participants learn one another’s names while sharing something about themselves through a simple drawing or symbol.

Step 1 - Introduction and instructions
Description

Explain that names are an important part of our intangible cultural heritage, reflecting family, traditions, local customs, and personal identity. During this course, participants will work closely with people they may not know, and learning and using each other’s names is an act of mutual respect that helps build meaningful connections.

Introduce the name tag activity by inviting participants to create their own name tag. In addition to writing their name, ask them to draw a figure, symbol, pattern, or simple illustration that represents something meaningful about themselves, such as their interests, values, family, community, or region.

5 minutes

N/A

Description

Provide each participant with a blank name tag or card, together with pens or markers. Allow participants time to write their name and create a symbol that represents an aspect of their identity.

10 minutes.

  • Name tags or blank cards
  • Pens or markers.
Description

Invite each participant, including the trainer(s), to introduce themselves by saying their name and explaining the meaning behind the symbol they have chosen. Encourage participants to listen actively, learn each other’s names, and begin building a respectful and collaborative learning environment.

30 minutes

  • N/A

Before and During the Activity

    • Create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where participants feel comfortable introducing themselves.
    • Encourage creativity while reassuring participants that artistic ability is not important.
    • Invite everyone to participate without putting pressure on those who may feel shy.
    • Model the activity by introducing yourself first and explaining the meaning of your own symbol.
    • Encourage participants to address one another by name throughout the course.

  • Additional Tips:

    • Keep the pace relaxed and allow enough time for everyone to introduce themselves.
    • Adapt the activity for smaller or larger groups by using pairs or small circles if needed.
    • If delivering the course online, participants can create a digital name card or share an object or image that represents them instead of drawing a symbol.

Although this activity does not directly contribute to the development of your Training Case, it helps create the collaborative learning environment that will support your work throughout the course. Building connections with other participants encourages the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives that can enrich the development of your Training Case in the following modules.

Activity “Introduction to the #ASenseofEU Project “

20 minutes • Presentation 

This activity introduces participants to the #ASenseofEU project, its objectives, partnership, and main thematic areas. It provides an overview of the project’s vision and explains how the training programme contributes to safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, strengthening Sense of Place, and supporting sustainable development in rural and remote communities.

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

  •  Understand the purpose and objectives of the #ASenseofEU project.
  •  Recognise the role of the international partnership in developing the training programme.
  • Identify the main thematic areas explored throughout the course.
  • Understand how the project contributes to safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage and strengthening local communities.
  •  Recognise how the training programme supports the development of their own Training Case.

20 minutes

  • Presentation: Introduction to the #ASenseofEU Project
  • Computer and projector (for face-to-face delivery)
  • Access to the e-course

Prepare the presentation introducing the #ASenseofEU project. Review the project’s objectives, partnership, and thematic areas before the session, ensuring that participants understand how the training programme/e-course  fits within the wider Erasmus+ project and how it contributes to the development of their Training Case.

Step 1 – Introduce the #ASenseofEU Project
Description

Present the #ASenseofEU project, explaining its purpose, objectives, partnership, and the main themes explored throughout the training programme/e-course. Introduce the learning journey and explain how the different modules contribute to the development of participants’ Training Case.

10 minutes

  • Presentation – Introduction to the #ASenseofEU Project
  • Prjector and screen;
  • Laptop
Description

Present the structure of the training programme, introducing the thematic modules and explaining how participants will progressively build their Training Case throughout the course, leading to the final presentation in Module 8.

10 minutes.

  • Presentation – Introduction to the #ASenseofEU Project
  • Prjector and screen;
  • Laptop

Before and During the Activity

    • Present the project in a clear and engaging way, avoiding excessive administrative or technical details.
    • Emphasise the practical value of the training programme and how participants will apply their learning through the Training Case.
    • Encourage participants to relate the project themes to their own communities and experiences.
    • Allow time for questions to ensure participants understand the purpose and structure of the course.

  • Additional Tips:

    • Focus on the project’s long-term impact rather than specific project timelines or milestones.
    • Adapt the presentation to your audience by using local examples whenever possible.
    • Reinforce that the Training Case will accompany participants throughout the entire learning journey and will culminate in the final presentation in Module 8.

This activity introduces the context in which your Training Case will be developed. Understanding the objectives of the #ASenseofEU project and the main thematic areas will help you recognise how each module contributes to the progressive development of your final ICH-based tourism product, which you will present in Module 8.

Activity “Participants’Expectationes”

35 minutes • Individual Activity 

This activity invites participants to reflect on their expectations for the training programme and share what they hope to learn, experience, or achieve. By discussing these expectations together, the group establishes common goals and creates a shared understanding of the learning journey ahead.

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Reflect on their personal learning goals and expectations.
  • Share their expectations with the group.
  • Recognise common interests and learning needs among participants.
  • Understand how the training programme can support their personal and professional development.

35 minutes

  • Sticky notes (one or more per participant)
  • Pens or markers
  • Flipchart, whiteboard, or wall space for displaying the notes

Prepare a flipchart, whiteboard, or wall space where participants can display their expectations. Provide sticky notes and writing materials for everyone and explain that there are no right or wrong answers—the aim is to understand what participants hope to gain from the course.

Step 1
Description

Invite participants to think about what they hope to learn or achieve during the training programme. Ask each participant to write one expectation per sticky note.

5 minutes

  • Sticky note
  • Pens or markers.
Description

Participants write post-it notes and attach them to the board

10 minutes.

  • Flipchart
  • whiteboard, or wall space.
Description

Review the identified themes with the group and discuss how the different modules of the training programme/e-course  will help address these expectations. Clarify any questions and explain that participants will revisit their expectations during the final reflection in Module 8.

20 minutes

  • Grouped sticky notes.

Before and During the Activity

    • Encourage participants to write honest and realistic expectations.
    • Remind participants that there are no right or wrong answers.
    • Group similar expectations together to identify common themes.
    • Explain how the different modules will contribute to meeting participants’ expectations.

  • Additional Tips:

    • Use the grouped expectations to adapt discussions and examples throughout the course where appropriate.
    • At the end of the programme, return to these expectations and invite participants to reflect on whether they have been achieved.
    • Foster an open and supportive discussion where every participant feels their expectations are valued.

This activity encourages you to reflect on your personal learning goals before beginning your Training Case. The expectations you identify can help guide your learning journey and provide a point of reflection when reviewing your progress and presenting your completed Training Case in the final module.

Module Resources

This section contains all the supporting materials referenced in the “Materials Needed” section of each activity. As you progress through the module, you can access or download presentations, worksheets, templates, handouts, and additional resources to support your learning and the development of your Training Case.

Activity “Welcome & Course Introduction” 

Download the presentation and supporting handout(s) for this activity before you begin.

Welcome & Course Introduction Presentation
View/Downlaod the presentation
Activity “Introduction to the #ASenseofEU project” 

Download the presentation and supporting handout(s) for this activity before you begin.

Introduction to the #ASenseofEU project Presentation
View/Downlaod the presentation
Explore other resources
🌍 #ASenseofEU Project Website
Explore the website
📚 Course Learning Path
DOWNLOAD THE LEARNING JOURNEY
🗺 Training Case Guide
DOWNLOAD THE TRAINING CASE GUIDE

Continue with Your Training Case

Before moving to the next module, review your notes and update your Training Case with the knowledge and materials developed throughout this module.

Record:

  • The name of your chosen place or community.
  • Why you selected it.
  • Its main cultural, historical, or natural characteristics.
  • What makes it meaningful to you or your community.
Continue to Module 2
🏠 Back to Course Overview