The Globalising World · Term 4

Multinational Corporations and Global Power

Students will investigate the influence of multinational corporations on national economies, labor practices, and environmental regulations.

About This Topic

Global health and the management of pandemics are critical issues in a highly connected world. This topic explores the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the impact of COVID-19 on global connectivity, economic stability, and social behavior. Students examine how globalisation facilitates the rapid spread of diseases but also enables international cooperation in vaccine development and information sharing.

For Year 10 students, this unit is a study in global vulnerability and resilience. It highlights the challenges of equitable vaccine distribution and the impact of the pandemic on global supply chains. Students grasp these complex issues through active learning strategies like simulating a WHO emergency meeting, investigating the 'vaccine gap' between nations, and debating the ethics of travel restrictions.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: WHO Emergency Committee

Students act as health experts and government representatives during the early stages of a fictional pandemic. They must decide when to declare a 'public health emergency of international concern' and what advice to give to nations. This highlights the difficulty of making decisions with incomplete information.

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Vaccine Gap

In small groups, students research the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally. They compare the vaccination rates of wealthy nations with those of developing countries and investigate the reasons for the disparity. Groups present their findings as a 'global health equity' report.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Impact on Connectivity

Students reflect on how the pandemic changed their own lives and their connection to the world (e.g., travel, school, family). They discuss in pairs whether the world will ever return to 'pre-pandemic' levels of connectivity. They then share their thoughts on the long-term impact on global tourism and migration.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The WHO has the power to force countries to follow its rules.

What to Teach Instead

The WHO is an advisory body that provides guidance and coordination; it cannot force sovereign nations to act. Its power comes from the willingness of member states to cooperate. Using a 'powers and limitations' chart helps students understand the role of international organisations.

Common Misconception

Pandemics only affect the health of a population.

What to Teach Instead

Pandemics have massive economic, social, and political consequences, from closing borders and disrupting supply chains to increasing social inequality. Peer analysis of economic data from 2020-2022 helps students see the 'all-of-society' impact of a health crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the World Health Organization (WHO)?

The WHO is the UN agency responsible for international public health. It monitors health trends, sets standards, and coordinates the global response to health emergencies. Students can investigate how the WHO tracks diseases like Ebola or Malaria to see its work beyond COVID-19.

How did COVID-19 expose vulnerabilities in global supply chains?

The pandemic showed that many countries rely on a few sources for essential goods like medicines and masks. When factories closed or borders shut, these supply chains collapsed. In class, students can trace the supply chain of a medical product to see where the 'weak links' were during the pandemic.

What is 'vaccine nationalism'?

Vaccine nationalism occurs when a country manages to secure doses of vaccines for its own citizens and prioritizes its own domestic markets before they are made available in other countries. Students can debate the ethics of this approach versus a more global distribution strategy.

How can active learning help students understand global health?

Active learning strategies like WHO simulations or investigations into the vaccine gap help students see global health as a complex political and ethical issue, not just a medical one. By 'managing' a crisis or 'analyzing' distribution data, students understand the interconnectedness of the modern world and the importance of international cooperation. This approach makes the recent experience of the pandemic a powerful learning tool.

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