Innovation in Language Learning

The paper explores the integration of cultural heritage and inclusive education into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction through the use of Europeana, a digital platform that offers  access to millions of cultural artifacts from all over Europe. Specifically, it focuses on using materials related to Disability Heritage to boost  both language acquisition and the development of empathy among students. Based  on theories  of critical literacy, intercultural competence, and inclusive education, the approach aims to humanize language learning by engaging students with underrepresented narratives.

The study presents a classroom intervention conducted with 14-year-old A2-level learners in a Greek secondary school. Through three 45-minute sessions, students got engaged with authentic historical content from Europeana and had the chance to develop social skills that a mature citizen of the future should have.. The lessons were designed to enhance the four core language skills while also encouraging emotional engagement and critical thinking. Students took on various roles within their groups (e.g., linguist, historian, ICT expert), promoting peer learning and collaborative inquiry.

Observational data and post-activity reflections revealed increased student motivation, vocabulary improvement, intercultural awareness, and empathetic understanding. Learners demonstrated the ability to contextualize disability in both historical and modern settings, using the target language beyond textbook boundaries. The findings suggest that incorporating digital heritage resources like Europeana into the EFL curriculum can serve as a powerful tool for promoting inclusive, meaningful, and socially engaged language education. This approach not only enriches linguistic competence but also supports the formation of globally aware and empathetic learners.