During the last Comenius project meetings, all the partners recognized that student's and trainees' awareness of different style epochs and historic events was found wanting. Therefore, we want our learners to tackle the issue by exploring the architectural history of the respective areas (Chemnitz, Dresden, Vienna, Graz, etc.) in order to familiarise themselves with various styles. The students then construct true to scale 3D models of the buildings in question using, inter alia, the latest 3D printing and laser cutting technology. The teaching materials are going to be used by future students as well. Our interdisciplinary project includes students from different educational backgrounds (grammar school, vocational training and practical vocational preparation). Subject to the legal frameworks, it also aims to involve students from our 'German as a second language class'. As partners from different regions, we are able to create a project presenting various perspectives so that our students can come up with a variety of interpretations of the same epochs. The students of both twin schools are going to reflect on their peers' results to improve their intercultural competence. The students are going to showcase their results during certain events for their local communities ('open day, exhibition). Further goals are promoting the students' interest in terms of art and architecture in a historic context. Strengthening motivation, prevention of dropping off school, disadvantages, a better understanding for the local, national and European heritage are worth mentioning,too. Other intentions deal with an adjustment to the total criteria of assessment, the usage of modern computer- and production technology to clarify historic results and a better chronological classification. In conclusion, the basic idea of the project is to raise our students' awareness of our common European culture and history by using the latest IT technology.
During the previous Comenius-Projects all partners have realized that the students’ knowledge of style epochs and historical events is inadequate. Therefore all participants i.e. pupils and teachers of the twin schools agreed to gain special experience of the architectural history of their respective areas (e.g. Wolkenburg, Mariasdorf, Stadt Schlaining) concerning the different features of architectural styles. The project partners decided to choose a classical style wooden window of the ‘New Church’ in Wolkenburg. Three scale models were created by three different production technologies (3-D print, CNC, handicraft production). So the project members have been able to compare dis/advantages of the applied manufacturing processes and to draw conclusions about their usage in their future career. The main part of the tasks was carried out during the compulsory lessons and the meetings where the pupils took part. These three scale models have been exhibited in both school buildings after having finished the project. They should be used for display purposes and as teaching material for future pupils. Furthermore, the project members developed worksheets which can be used in the lessons about architectural styles. The designed material refers to certain historical buildings located in the surrounding area of the schools (ca 25 kilometres). Due to this project it was possible to receive a 3D printer which is used in the lessons e.g. for illustrating of constructions which has helped to improve the pupils’ technical knowledge. This interdisciplinary project has included different kinds of schools and subjects, i.e. vocational grammar school, vocational training and the practical vocational preparation classes. During the last few years there has been an increase of the numbers of foreign pupils in the vocational training. Travelling abroad would have been difficult because of their unclear status which also refers to pupils of the so called ‘German as a second language classes’. In general ca 50 pupils from both school were involved in our project. Because of the participation of different partners, vocational branches and pupils with various origins and status a really diverse thinking has been developed. In addition, similar epochs have been differently discussed and analysed. Multicultural views have been taken into consideration and all participants have extended their knowledge. The pupils of the twin schools presented their findings in a public vernissage in the home museum in Oberschützen (Austria) where local politicians and economic representatives were invited. Besides, the project was introduced during the ‘Open days ‘at school. A small video clip informed about content and course of the project. This has led to a better media competence of the participants. Further goals were promoting the pupils’ interest in terms of art and architecture in a historic context. Strengthening motivation, prevention of dropping off school and disadvantages, a better understanding for the local, national and European heritage are worth mentioning, too. Other intentions deal with an adjustment to the total criteria of assessment, the usage of modern computer- and production technology to clarify historic results and a better chronological classification. In conclusion, the basic idea of the project has been to raise the pupils’ awareness of our common European culture and history.