TPI Seminar 2022: Learning the History of Ancient Roman Forum of Thessaloniki through Edu-Larp- Theodosiou & Gkountona

This poster presentation was delivered on October 21, 2022 at the Transformative Play Initiative Seminar 2022: Role-playing, Culture, and Heritage.

Description:

The educational program “Everyday life in the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki, Greece: An experiential approach with the method Edu ‐ L.A.R.P” was implemented at the archaeological site of the Ancient Roman Forum of Thessaloniki in collaboration with the HighSchool of the Aristotle College of Thessaloniki. The children participated in an interactive live role-playing game, designed with the principles of the innovative edu ‐ L.A.R.P educational method. The game transported the children to the Roman era of Thessaloniki in the years of Emperor Octavian Augustus with the aim of a deeper understanding of the functionality of the Crypt Stoa, the Mint and the Market Conservatory, as well as the socio-political relations of the people of that time. To achieve this, the students played roles, performed their missions, and made their own decisions to resolve day-to-day issues. Τhe students wore costumes and used objects reminiscent of that time.

Bios:

Mrs. Maria Theodosiou is a History Teacher & Program Manager with a particular focus on Edu-LARP method and experiential learning through play. Also, she is co-founder of AeliaPath, a social cooperative organization. She designs and implements edu-L.A.R.P programs about Roman & Greek History. In addition, she cooperates with other European organizations to promote LARP in school education about Climate Change and Well-Being. She has also, a Master’s degree in Total Quality Management & Innovative Implementation in Education and she is a member of the Scientific Association for promoting educational innovation in Greece & Special advisor to the education committee of the Thessaloniki Municipal Youth Council.

Mrs. Christina Gkountona is a High school teacher and experienced Edu-Larp Program Designer, Instructor with a holistic approach, and Team Animator with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary education industry. She has a Master’s degree in Greek Philosophy and a master’s degree in Team Animating focused on Team Animation with Synthetic Paigniodrasis Method. Also, she is co-founder of AeliaPath, a social cooperative organization. She designs and implements edu-L.A.R.P programs about Roman & Greek History. In addition, she cooperates with other European organizations to promote LARP in school education about Climate Change and Well-Being.

 

 Click here to read PDF of slides.

 

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This seminar is hosted by the Transformative Play Initiative in the Games & Society Lab at the Department of Game Design, Uppsala University Campus Gotland. This seminar is made possible by financial support from the Sustainable Heritage Research Forum (SuHRF). The Transformative Play Initiative explores the use of analog role-playing games as vehicles for lasting personal and social change.

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Graphic Design by Liliia Chorna. Music by Elias Faltin.