Unit image overview

Unit 6

Elements of responsible global citizenship

Read the text below (left) before carrying out the activity.

Preceding Activity

Global citizenship

Citizenship gives pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in society at local, national and international levels. It helps them to become informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens who are aware of their duties and rights. It promotes their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, making them more self-confident and responsible both in and beyond the classroom. It encourages pupils to play a helpful part in the life of their schools, neighbourhoods, communities and the wider world.

(DfEE/QCA, 1999a, quoted in Hicks, 2001, p. 9)

Geography classrooms can create the opportunity for pupils to consider citizenship in the context of people-environment relationships. It is the subject through which they are introduced to real world examples. These are often complex and need exploring carefully.

Activity Resources:

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  • Video

Activity

  1. Click on the Text icon and critically review 'The key elements for responsible global citizenship' (adapted from Oxfam, 1997, in Hicks, 2001, pp. 106-7).
  2. Print out a copy, and put a tick against all the elements with which you feel comfortable as a geography teacher. Next, put a question mark against any that you are uncertain of and a cross against any that you feel are inappropriate to explore through geography.
  3. Now consider your own experiences.
    • Is there anything missing from this summary?
    • Are there any statements that you wish to amend?
  4. Using your annotated sheet, add examples from your teaching programme for each element.
    • Are there any areas that lack opportunities?
    • Are there any areas that are over developed?
  5. Look at the downloadable resources in the 'Teachers' section of the Giving Nation website. Choose one of the teacher resources and evaluate it using the 'The key elements for responsible global citizenship' document. How might these resources add value to a geography unit? Giving Nation
  6. What changes could you plan to make to your teaching programme as a consequence of this activity?

Preceding Activity