First-hand expertise in the classroom

Meeting people with first-hand expertise brings direct accounts of a trade, environment, event or local issue into school. In Mario Lodi’s practice, the world beyond school — nature, work, families and community — becomes a living source for inquiry.

A guest does not replace a verified source or simply deliver a lecture. The class prepares questions through research, listens to a situated perspective, gathers documentation and later compares the account with other evidence. Every testimony is partial and needs context.

The practice connects spoken language, local history, language education and citizenship. Its educational value lies in moving from the encounter to further work: transcripts, articles, maps, dossiers or public presentations.

Sources

Reference titles are retained in their original language. Linked resources may be in Italian or another language.

1. Treccani — Mario Lodi e l’aula-laboratorio
2. Rai Cultura — Una giornata nella scuola di Mario Lodi
3. La scuola immaginata — Vittorio De Seta ci racconta che una scuola attiva è possibile
4. Università di Macerata — Il laboratorio pedagogico di Mario Lodi