Globalisation and Its Impact · Semester 2

Defining Globalisation & Its Drivers

Defining the rapid movement of goods, services, capital, technology, and people across borders and the forces behind it.

About This Topic

Globalisation is the process by which the world is becoming more interconnected through the rapid movement of goods, services, capital, technology, and people. This topic introduces students to the 'global village' and how technology, especially the internet and modern transport, has shrunk the world. Students explore how their daily lives, from the food they eat to the games they play, are shaped by global connections.

For P6 students, this is a foundational concept for understanding the modern world. It connects to the MOE syllabus on 'Globalisation and Its Impact.' This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of 'Global Connections' by mapping the origins of their own belongings and tracing global supply chains.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Global School Bag

Students work in pairs to check the 'Made in' labels on their stationery, bags, and shoes. They mark these locations on a large world map to visualize how many different countries are connected to their daily life.

⏱ 35 min·Pairs

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Simulation Game: The Global Village Game

Assign students roles as 'producers' in different countries. They must 'trade' components to build a complex product (like a smartphone). This illustrates how no single country can produce everything alone in a globalized world.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

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Think-Pair-Share: Is the World Getting Smaller?

Students discuss how long it took to send a message or travel 100 years ago versus today. They share their ideas to understand that 'distance' is now measured in time and connectivity rather than just kilometers.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students may think globalisation is a brand new thing.

What to Teach Instead

Trade and cultural exchange have happened for centuries (like the Silk Road). However, modern technology has made it much faster and more intense. A 'Globalisation Timeline' can help students see the evolution from sailing ships to the internet.

Common Misconception

Pupils often believe that globalisation is always good for everyone.

What to Teach Instead

It can also lead to job losses in some areas or the loss of local cultures. A 'Pros and Cons' debate can help students develop a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main drivers of globalisation?

The main drivers are improvements in technology (like the internet and smartphones), faster and cheaper transportation (like container ships and airplanes), and the reduction of trade barriers between countries. These allow information, goods, and people to move across the world more easily than ever before.

How does globalisation affect my daily life in Singapore?

It affects almost everything! The food you eat comes from all over the world, the movies and music you enjoy are global, and the technology you use was likely designed in one country and made in another. It also means you can communicate with people in other countries instantly.

How can active learning help students understand the complex concept of globalisation?

Globalisation can feel very abstract. Active learning strategies like 'Supply Chain Mapping' or 'Global Trade Simulations' make the connections visible and tangible. When students see that their own pencil traveled through five countries before reaching them, the 'global village' becomes a real, lived experience rather than just a term in a textbook.

Is globalisation making the world more similar?

In some ways, yes (like the popularity of certain brands or fast food). However, it also allows people to share their unique cultures with a global audience. Students can explore this 'cultural exchange' by looking at how local Singaporean food or music is becoming popular in other countries.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU