Communicating Findings: Presentation Skills
Students practice different ways to share their research, from digital presentations to creative writing.
Key Questions
- Explain who the target audience is for our research.
- Analyze the most effective medium to communicate our message.
- Design a compelling presentation that incorporates visual and textual evidence.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
About This Topic
The Global Citizenship Challenge is the final capstone of the Grade 8 year, where students propose a solution to a global geographic or historical injustice. Students choose an issue they feel passionate about, such as climate change, global poverty, or human rights, and use their inquiry and communication skills to develop a realistic plan for action. This topic is essential for helping students to see themselves as capable of making a difference in the world.
Students will investigate the root causes of their chosen issue and look for 'best practices' and successful models of change from around the world. They will also consider the ethical and practical challenges of their proposed solution. This topic comes alive when students can present their 'challenges' to a panel of peers or experts and participate in collaborative problem-solving to refine their ideas.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: The Global Action Pitch
Students act as 'change-makers' pitching their solution to a global problem to a panel of 'investors' (their peers). They must explain the problem, their proposed solution, and how they will measure its success.
Inquiry Circle: Root Cause Analysis
In small groups, students use a 'problem tree' to identify the root causes (the roots) and the visible symptoms (the branches) of a global issue. This helps them ensure that their proposed solution is targeting the real cause of the problem.
Think-Pair-Share: Small Steps, Big Impact
Students reflect on one small action they can take this week to address their chosen global issue. They pair up to discuss how many 'small actions' combined can lead to a significant global impact.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionGlobal problems are too big for one person to do anything about.
What to Teach Instead
While global problems are massive, they are made up of many smaller, local issues that can be addressed. Using 'success stories' of individual or community-led change can help students see that every action counts.
Common MisconceptionA 'solution' has to be a big, expensive project to be effective.
What to Teach Instead
Some of the most effective solutions are simple, low-cost, and community-based. A 'frugal innovation' workshop can help students think creatively about how to solve problems with limited resources.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a global issue to focus on?
What makes a 'realistic' solution to a global problem?
How can I take action on a global issue from my own home?
How can active learning help students with the Global Citizenship Challenge?
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