Education materials

The educational materials on trust in political institutions in EU countries are designed to serve as Open Educational Resources (OER) for Civic Education teachers targeting lower secondary school students (grades V – VIII, depending on country). Their purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of trust in both national and international political institutions, fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and informed citizenship among students. Countries for which educational materials are prepared include Austria, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Ukraine.

The materials begin with an introduction that outlines the national and international political systems, defines institutional trust, and illustrates the evolution of trust using country-specific examples. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of key institutions, including the Presidency (where applicable), Parliament, Government, Political parties, Courts / Justice system at the national level, and the European Union (EU), EU Parliament, EU Commission, and the United Nations at the international level.

Throughout the materials, various tools are utilized to enhance learning and engagement. These include charts depicting the evolution of trust over time, comparative charts for international institutions across different countries, trust data for the most recent year, and maps illustrating trust levels in international institutions across European countries. These visual aids help students analyze trust trends, understand variations across countries, and develop a nuanced perspective on institutional trust. The interpretation and discussion section offers classroom activities, questions, and a guide for teachers. These resources encourage active participation, critical analysis, and meaningful discussions among students, thereby promoting a deeper understanding of trust in political institutions and its implications for democratic societies.