Education In Progress Spain (EiP) has successfully carried out the Pilot Test for the Erasmus+FoodCare project, working closely with audiovisual students from CIPF Juniper Serra. This initiative was made possible thanks to the cooperation of the educational institution and, in particular, the dedicated involvement of Professor Martí Pallicer Guillena.
Testing the FoodCare Methodology
The Pilot Test served as a platform to evaluate the FoodCare methodology, focusing on experiential learning and digital content creation to raise awareness about sustainable nutrition.
Preliminary Information
Before starting the project, the EiP team developed concise documents covering key themes related to the Erasmus+ FoodCare project. This "Downloadable Material" provided students with a foundational understanding of the topics they needed to explore further while creating impactful videos for Instagram and TikTok.
The class of 24 students was divided into five groups, with each group responsible for producing two videos on a specific topic:
- Attention-Grabbing Video
- Content Summary Video
The selected themes included:
- Ecology: Understanding the impact of nutritional behavior on the environment
- Seasonal Food: The importance of consuming food in season
- Traditional Food to Support Cultural Heritage: Highlighting typical Mallorcan cuisine
- Social Entrepreneurship in a Circular Economy: Showcasing local businesses promoting healthy products
- Zero Km Food: Encouraging responsible consumption
- Zero Waste: Promoting environmentally friendly attitudes
Roles and Responsibilities
Education In Progress took the lead in delivering classroom sessions in cooperation with CIPF Juniper Serra faculty members. The sessions focused on:
- Thematic exploration
- Brainstorming and in-depth discussions
- Developing a critical perspective and identifying practical daily actions
- Storytelling proposals from students and their approval
The technical development of the videos was fully entrusted to the CIPF Juniper Serra faculty, leveraging their audiovisual expertise to ensure high-quality and impactful content.
Program Structure
Part 1: Introduction to the FoodCare Project and Preparation
The first session introduced students to Education In Progress, Erasmus+ Youth, and the FoodCare project. The session also emphasized compassion for nature to help students understand the project's significance. Students were divided into six groups, each assigned a topic. An initial evaluation was conducted to assess their prior knowledge. The groups then researched their topics to prepare visual presentations for the next session.
Part 2: In-Depth Exploration and Critical Thinking Development / Part 3: Storytelling Proposals
Each group presented their assigned topics, using the theme of "Traditional Food to Support Cultural Heritage in Mallorca" as a model. Mind maps helped deepen discussions and foster cross-group learning. Students proposed concrete actions they could take in daily life. For example, those assigned to "Seasonal Food" committed to buying local products and tracking their success over a week. Students presented their storytelling ideas for their videos, receiving feedback and making necessary adjustments to ensure their scripts effectively conveyed the intended messages to their target audience (young people aged 18+). The faculty's expertise was crucial in refining communication strategies for maximum impact.
Part 4: Draft Video Presentations / Part 5: Final Video Presentations
Students shared draft versions of their videos with their peers, allowing for feedback and refinements. CIPF Juniper Serra’s audiovisual experts played a vital role in ensuring technical and content quality.
The final session was dedicated to showcasing the completed videos. This event served as both a celebration of the students' hard work and an opportunity for reflective learning. A final evaluation assessed the project's educational impact and provided insights for further refinement of the methodology.
Conclusion
The FoodCare Pilot Test at CIPF Juniper Serra demonstrated the effectiveness of combining environmental education with digital media production. The project successfully engaged students in critical discussions and creative expression while promoting sustainable food practices.
The videos produced will serve as key resources to disseminate the FoodCare methodology to other schools, educators, and young audiences, ensuring the project's replicability and long-term impact.