OER Teaching Concept - How Many Ideas Spell Freedom?

Author: Lucilia Oliveira (Agrupamento de Escolas de Ponte de Barca)

Edited by: Elena Kerling (AKADEMIE der Ruhr-Universität Bochum)

Video licence: CC BY-ND 4.0

Material licence: CC BY-SA 4.0

Upload: 16.04.2025

The OER “With How Many Ideas Is Freedom Written?” offers a creative and participatory approach to exploring the concept of freedom in the context of democratic education and civic engagement. Developed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution (25 April 1974), it encourages students to reflect on historical and current challenges to freedom through discussion, research, and artistic expression.

Beginning with a warm-up and video analysis of World Freedom Day (23 January, proclaimed by UNESCO), the lesson develops across four interactive phases:

1. Visual provocation – posters around the school posing the question: “What is Freedom?”
2. Inspirational quotes – curated statements from philosophers, writers, and public figures displayed in shared spaces
3. Collaborative group work – research into situations where freedom has been challenged, culminating in multimedia presentations (e.g., short films or slideshows)
4. Exhibition – organization and presentation of student projects to the school community

This resource is linked to the cross-cutting issues of Democratic Education, Active Citizenship, and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). It is adaptable across a wide range of subjects, including English, Geography, History, Science, Arts, Mathematics, Portuguese, and Chemistry.

The activity was recorded as part of the TESTEd CPD course on 31 January 2024.

Show notes

• The sources of the images are listed within the OER.
• Presentation: – TESTEd – Towards a European Syllabus in Teacher Education – Teacher Training 2023/2024 Activity Plan
• Further information about the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution is available on the official website: https://50anos25abril.pt
• Sustainable Development Goals: World Food Day Live Coverage – United Nations Sustainable Development

Additional material:

• Analysis grid as an overview of the teaching concept (student group, resources needed, methods, …): Download
• Presentation on the teaching concept: Download
• Learning road map: Download
• Debate activity plan: Download
• Short film activity plan: Download