The country of Albania, located in the southeastern part of Europe, is a small yet fascinating nation with rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. Despite its significance in European history and modern times, Albania is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors. As educators, it is essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of global geography and ensure our students are familiar with lesser-known countries like Albania.
Teaching students about Albania involves not only focusing on its geographical location but also incorporating elements of its history, culture, and language. Follow these steps to design an engaging lesson plan on Albania that can spark curiosity in your students’ minds.
Understanding Albanian History
- Prehistoric times: Introduce prehistoric times to your students by discussing the Illyrians—ancient peoples who inhabited Albania and the surrounding regions before the Greeks.
- The era of empires: Educate your students about various empires which ruled or influenced Albania throughout the centuries, such as Rome (Illyricum), Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, and briefly Italian fascists during WWII.
- The modern age: Discuss communism’s effects on Albania under Enver Hoxha’s rule then transition into post-communist days highlighting challenges faced by and progress made in modern Albania.
Exploring Albanian Culture
- Language: Teach your students some basic phrases in the Albanian language (Shqip). For example: “Përshëndetje” (“Hello”), “Faleminderit” (“Thank you”), and “Mirëmëngjes” (“Good morning”).
- Cuisine: Discuss typical Albanian dishes such as Tavë Kosi (yogurt with lamb), Fergese (a cheese-based vegetable dish), and Byrek (flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat).
- Religion: Explain that religion in Albania is diverse, with the majority of the population being Muslim (Sunni and Bektashi), followed by Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics.
- Folklore: Share traditional Albanian folk tales and legends such as the story of Rozafa Castle while mentioning colorful costumes, dance, and music associated with these stories.
Geographical Wonders
- The Adriatic Coast: Inform your students about Albania’s beautiful beaches connected to the Adriatic Sea; discuss popular tourist destinations like Ksamil and Dhermi.
- Mountain ranges: Share information about the breathtaking mountain ranges, notably the Albanian Alps in northern Albania, which are home to Valbona Valley National Park and Theth National Park.
- Heritage sites: Teach them about UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania including Butrint—ancient Greek and Roman city ruins—and Gjirokastër—a well-preserved Ottoman-style castle-city.
Incorporating Technology
Leverage technology like Google Earth for virtual tours of national parks, historic cities, prominent landmarks, or indigenous wildlife visits such as the Dalmatian pelican or golden eagle sightings. This enhances your students’ engagement with dynamic learning experiences.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Albania presents an opportunity for educators to expand their students’ horizons. Incorporate various aspects of Albanian history and culture using a mix of traditional methods accented by cutting-edge technology for a dynamic class experience successfully engaging your students in lesser-known topics. The outcome? A more comprehensive understanding of global geography preparing our future generation for an interconnected world.
