Open schooling in heritage, tourism and sustainability: case studies from the islands of Tinos and Corfu, Greece

This paper introduces case studies applying open schooling educational approach to heritage, tourism and sustainability. The core purpose is to demonstrate how this approach can lay the foundations for active citizenry and human wellbeing. Open schooling is a dynamic model that exceeds traditional classroom limits. It prioritizes flexibility, inclusivity and adaptability, leveraging diverse resources to engage learners in real-world issues. Rooted in the Care-Know-Do pedagogical framework, this method fosters problem-solving skills and encourages direct action. It views education as integral to local community development and functions as a collaborative effort involving schools, universities, businesses, experts, and civil society. Through participatory methods, open schooling facilitates the co-creation of knowledge and skills which are then applied to address societal challenges. Two distinct projects were implemented on two Greek island landscapes – Tinos and Corfu – selected due to their different geographic and tourism characteristics compared to the mainland. Both projects utilized research methods encompassing learning, creative and practical-experiential parts. The results showcase an open schooling method tailored to the unique island landscape, highlighting critical needs for sustainable development and community wellbeing, and ultimately leading to the proposal of a new collaborative sustainable development model.