Global Citizenship Education


Methodologies


How we approach teaching global justice issues is central to the learning and outcomes of our students. Global Citizenship Education (GCE) can be seen as overwhelming, given the scale and depth of issues which it covers. However, the approach we take and methodologies we use are central to breaking issues down and unpacking them with students.

GCE Methodologies & COVID-19

Active and participatory learning methodologies are key to GCE. In our current climate of COVID-19, some of our tried and tested methodologies (see below), may not be suitable in a socially distanced classroom.

During our “WWGS Approach to GCE and adapting to COVID-19” training in October 2020, we asked teachers to share how they are adapting their methodologies to the new climate. Here are their suggested activities depending on the technology available in the classroom.

No Technology
Limited Technology
All Students have Technology

Active Learning Methodologies

The question at hand: Can “active learning” – broadly, any instructional strategy that engages all students meaningfully in the learning process — survive classroom environments this year in which student interaction is severely limited by physical distancing protocols?

WWGS, in partnership with Children in Crossfire and the Centre for Global Education are here to show you how! Click on the methodologies below to see how they can be explored in your classrooms.


Problem/Solutions TreeProblem/Solutions Tree Template
Using Photos
Diamond Ranking
Opinion Continuum
Peer Learning and Sharing
The Connections Web
The Biscuit Game

Teachers Role

Active and participatory learning methodologies are key to GCE. Teachers take on a facilitation role – using methodologies to support students learning, rather than them being the central port of information and answers. Students are therefore enabled to play an active role in shaping their learning, and teachers learn alongside them.

Utilising active and participatory learning methodologies, teachers can support students to build their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to ultimately take action on global issues of injustice that are important to them.

Most GCE resources and packs use active and participatory learning methodologies such as simulation, debate and discussion, ranking, freeze-frame or hot-seating.


Active Teaching and Learning methods shifts the role of the teacher and the learning environment:


From:

  • Teacher-centred classroom
  • Product-centred learning
  • Teacher as a transmitter of knowledge
  • Teacher as a ‘doer’ for learners
  • Subject-specific focus

To:

  • Learner-centred classroom
  • Process-centred learning
  • Teacher as an organiser of knowledge
  • Teacher as an ‘enabler’
  • Holistic learning focus

…and the role of students:


From:

  • Passive recipients of knowledge
  • Answering questions
  • Being spoon-fed
  • Competing with one another
  • Wanting to have their own say
  • Learning individual subjects

To:

  • Active and participatory learners
  • Asking questions
  • Taking responsibility for their own learning
  • Collaborating in their learning
  • Actively listening to the opinions of others
  • Connecting their learning