Politics and Society Unit 4: Education

This Unit is one of four from the GCE subject Guide Lessons for a Wise World: Global Citizenship Education in Politics and Society.

Click the button below to access the PowerPoints which accompany the lessons in Unit 4 and all supporting materials.

The PDF for Unit 4, available here, contains step-by-step instructions for the following 6 lessons:

A. Thinking about Education

In this lesson learners unpack education and consider its purpose using a variety of sources. As part of unlearning and reconstructing (WWGS Guiding Principle for GCE 1), learners relate their new thinking to prior learning and experiences of education. The lesson concludes with learners creating their own statements on the purpose(s) of education. These statements are then used for a Walking Debate.

B. Universal Education

In this lesson learners explore education as a universal human right, a Sustainable Development Goal and as a global agenda in the form of Education for All. An article from the New Internationalist is used to highlight the gains and remaining challenges for universal education. A video excerpt from the Carol Black documentary Schooling the World draws attention to neoliberal aspects of global education agendas. The lesson concludes with a visionary discussion on what universal education should look like.

C. Measuring Education

This lesson begins by exploring the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) carried out by the intergovernmental organisation and policy forum the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A BBC Global Story Podcast on education is used to consider the role of PISA and the OECD in shaping educational policy. A Fishbowl method is used to discuss two contrasting policy narratives which impact the lives of young people. The lesson concludes by revisiting this unit’s opening question on the purpose of education.

D. Schooling the World

This lesson is based on the documentary Schooling the World by Carol Black. In the first activity, learners analyse political cartoons and photographs relating to education as a tool for colonial power and imperial agendas. The second activity is based on video excerpts from the documentary; questions and learner tasks are offered to explore the videos.

E. Participation in Action

In this lesson learners explore Key Thinkers relating to education. A Jigsaw strategy is used to develop knowledge on these theorists and their arguments. This is followed by a role play activity to encourage learners to vocalise their learning. Learners identify which theorist their thinking aligns with and offer a rationale for their position. The lesson begins and ends with some quotes from Key Thinkers to stimulate new ideas and reflections.

F. Widening the Lens: Incorporating Multiple Voices

This lesson begins with a short visualisation to broaden learners’ perspectives on education. This is followed by reading different perspectives and experiences of education from minority groups, as well as a video interview focusing on Indigenous education in Colombia. In groups, learners are then tasked with developing an Education Charter for an Indigenous community.