Within the framework of the European program ACAδIMIA – «ACADIMIA-European Teachers’ Academy for Creative and Inclusive Learning» – the creative methodology Digital Storytelling was implemented to the students of the 1 st High School of Gerakas on the 31 st of January 2025.
During this class, the students explored the concept and social impact of a statue placed in a public space through the study of the artwork “The Abduction of Persephone” by Girardon François. They carefully observed the image of the statue and recorded their initial thoughts and feelings. Their first reactions varied: some found it impressive due to its dynamic representation, while others felt discomfort because of the violent nature of the scene.
In groups — portraying characters such as a young woman, a father with his son, a little girl, a middle-aged man, or a retired couple — students created frozen images showing how these people might react when facing the statue. They also wrote phrases that could reflect what different people might think or say upon seeing the statue. Their ideas ranged from a child’s curiosity to an adult’s deeper reflection on the message conveyed by the artwork.
Finally, students took on roles as city council members and were asked to debate a letter requesting the removal of the statue due to its supposedly inappropriatemessage. Opinions were divided. Some argued for the statue to remain, emphasizing its artistic and historical value. Others believed it should be removed or accompanied by an informational sign to clarify its meaning.After discussion, the “city council” decided not to remove the statue but to place an explanatory sign to inform the public about its mythological and artistic significance.
This activity helped students understand the importance of public art, develop critical thinking, and experience democratic participation through a decision-making process.
The students responded positively to the dramatization activity. They were quite enthusiastic. Most of them felt satisfied and inspired. However, some felt uncomfortable because they were pushed out of their “comfort zone” A few got bored, and others felt confused. Nevertheless, everyone asked to do a similar class again, and all agreed that they had learned in a creative and active way.
Additionally, most students stated that they learned to collaborate more constructively with their classmates. They also reported that they became better at finding creative solutions and thinking more critically than usual.
