Politics and Society · 5th Year

Active learning ideas

Understanding Globalisation

This topic introduces globalisation as a multi-dimensional process that connects the world economically, politically, and culturally. Students examine how Ireland, as one of the most globalised countries in the world, is uniquely shaped by global trade, multinational corporations (MNCs), and international agreements. The unit covers the benefits of globalisation, such as economic growth and cultural exchange, alongside its critiques, including the loss of local sovereignty and the 'race to the bottom' in labor standards.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 4, LO 4.1
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 4, LO 4.2

• 25–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 50 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The 'Global Item' Audit

Students choose one everyday item (a smartphone, a pair of runners, a chocolate bar) and work in small groups to trace its 'global journey.' They must identify where the raw materials were sourced, where it was assembled, and where the company is headquartered. They present their findings as a 'Global Map' of the product.

What is globalisation?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Simulation Game
• 60 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The FDI Pitch

Students are divided into 'National Development Agencies' from different countries (including Ireland). They must create a pitch to attract a major tech MNC to their country, highlighting their 'competitive advantages' (tax rates, education, infrastructure). This surfaces the reality of global economic competition.

How does economic globalisation affect the Irish economy?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 25 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Cultural Globalisation, Loss or Gain?

Students individually list three ways their life is 'more global' than their grandparents' (e.g., food, music, language). They pair up to discuss whether this represents a 'loss' of Irish culture or a 'gain' in diversity. Share the most interesting perspectives with the class to explore the 'cultural dimension' of globalisation.

Who are the primary beneficiaries of global trade?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Globalisation is only about money and trade.

  Globalisation also has political (the EU, UN) and cultural (social media, global music) dimensions. A 'Dimensions of Globalisation' sorting activity helps students see that it affects how we are governed and how we see ourselves, not just what we buy.

• Globalisation is a new phenomenon from the 21st century.

  While it has accelerated recently, globalisation has roots in centuries of trade and colonialism. Comparing the 'Old Silk Road' to modern digital trade helps students see it as a long-term historical process.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Simulation Game
• Think-Pair-Share