Case Study Kladno 2024

Today’s students are growing up in an environment of information overload and increasingly sophisticated forms of manipulation and disinformation. Education must therefore strengthen skills such as critical thinking, media literacy, and the ability to discuss in a cultivated manner. As part of the project in Kladno, we decided to actively tackle this challenge and find a way to bring these competencies closer to students in an understandable and attractive form.

In April 2024, we conducted a series of school screenings for approximately one thousand students of primary and secondary schools in the Kladno region. Each screening focused on one of the key topics – cybersecurity, climate change, personal responsibility for the environment, and disinformation. The screening was always accompanied by an expertly led discussion with a guest from practice, which provided space for reflection and questions. The option to ask questions anonymously proved to be crucial for students’ openness, especially on more sensitive topics.

The program had a positive impact on both target groups – students and teachers. In addition to new knowledge, students also developed argumentation skills, the ability to formulate their own opinions, and respect for other views. Open discussion strengthened their self-confidence and interest in social events. Teachers appreciated the strong combination of audiovisual experience with immediate reflection, which effectively followed up on teaching. The connection of different schools was also beneficial, bringing diversity of opinions and experiences to the debates.

It turned out that the combination of film and expert discussion is an extremely effective tool for opening complex topics. Engaging students through anonymous questions significantly increased their willingness to express themselves, especially when the program took place in a cinema environment with a full film experience. The project also confirmed the importance of methodological support – a one-time event is not enough for lasting impact. Working with teachers before, during, and after the program proved to be key for effective integration of topics into teaching. Careful preparation of logistics was also crucial, especially when involving multiple schools at once.

The model tested in Kladno is easily replicable in other regions. We offer its turnkey implementation – including the selection of films, securing expert guests and moderating discussions, as well as preparing support materials for teachers. Thanks to experience from this pilot project, we can create an educational environment that connects meaningful content with an authentic experience and supports skills important for life in contemporary society.

The school screenings project in Kladno confirmed that the combination of film experience and expertly moderated debate is an effective and attractive method for strengthening media literacy, critical thinking, and mutual understanding. This format can significantly enrich teaching while strengthening relationships between schools, institutions, and communities. We believe that this approach will appeal to other educational organizations looking for innovative ways to prepare their students for the challenges of today’s world.