Global Education Guide
-Explain to students that during the course of the school year, they will be able to research topics that they choose.
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-Make a pact with students about the level of commitment that is expected. They agree to work hard and practice the steps involved with learning for global competence (see matrix in Step 1.) You, the teacher, agree to allow them to learn S.T.R.U.T (Stuff That's Relevant, Useful, and Timely) for themselves.
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-Yes, ALLOW STUDENTS TO PICK TOPICS THAT INTEREST THEM!!! Teachers can establish broad categories such as: Countries, Cities, Controversies, etc., but ultimately, if we want kids to own their learning, we need to let them choose.
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-Teachers - Many of us need to get beyond the idea that content drives all learning. The content that kids learn is not nearly as important as the skills derived while accessing that content. It's the age-old argument about product vs. process. Let kids practice deep learning processes and in the end they will have the skills to tackle any new topic.
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-Categories I have used as a base for student project choices:
-Country/City
-Current Event
-Conflict or Controversy
-Choice (yes, anything other than drugs, alcohol, or pornography) - sports and candy are always popular
-Commodity
-Creation (this ends up being a Shark Tank competition where students have to formulate an idea that will solve a world problem - we use the SDGs as a starting point for issues that need to be addressed)