Despite being a relatively new word, it is worth noting that “globalisation” has become a widely used term for global political and economic relationships in just a few years. The term is now used without hesitation to describe an array of developments. In most cases, economic topics like the cross-border trade of goods and services or outsourcing of production to so-called low-wage countries are associated with globalisation. Yet it is not enough for the main focus to fall on economic relationships. When talking about the different dimensions of globalisation, many more aspects must be included. Culture, policy and politics, the economy, and the environment are all dimensions of globalisation that, in general though also in a pedagogical context, require attention (cf. Südwind, 2011: Blickwechsel).
13-16 | |
4 x 45 min. | |
board/flip chart; buttons; dice; blank flashcards; smartphones/computer with internet access for students; mounting material (magnets / tape / push pins); moderation cards; seewing needles; blank note cards; colored A4 printing paper; pens; computer with internet access and attached projector; mobile phone or other recording device; writing utensils (as needed); white board; scraps of wool and fabric; computer workstations or mobile terminals; world map; | |
The different contexts and interrelationships surrounding globalisation are complex. In the following exercises, we will enable students to grapple and engage with this topic. | |
Biology Communication Cosmopolitan issues Dialogue Diversity English Ethics/Religion Geography History IT Language Media Education Political Studies Signs Social Studies/Civic Education Social Learning Symbols |
Abbreviations:
As an introduction, students familiarise themselves with the history of globalisation and its impact on their daily lives.
Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Introduction
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“Map your Stuff”Students work with products from their everyday lives to recognise that globalisation is a part of their lives, too. Objective
Preparation
Execution
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Main section + discussion
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A Short Story of GlobalisationUsing the cards on the historical developments in the areas of communication and transportation, students delve into the history of globalisation. Objective
Preparation
Execution
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The abstract economic dimension of globalisation on one hand and the sociocultural dimension, i.e. the people behind this diversity, on the other form two sides of the same coin. In the following exercises, students will come to know these sides better.
Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Introduction
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The Economic Dimension of Globalisation: The Story of StuffToday’s economy is globalised. How it works and what types of challenges emerge as a result is demonstrated in “The Story of Stuff”. Objective
Preparation
Execution
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Main section + discussion
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My Globalised WorldSociocultural globalisation enriches daily life. One aspect that is often overlooked is that people, who bring with them their own life experiences, are behind and part of such globalisation. Objective
Preparation
Execution
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Using the example of water, students work with the ecological dimension of globalisation. The availability of clean drinking water and the concept of virtual water are at the centre of this lesson.
Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Introduction
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A Bucketful of WaterWater is not just water. How much (or how little) clean drinking water is actually available to us humans? Objective
Preparation
Execution
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Main section + discussion
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Virtual WaterVirtual water? Never heard of it! The concept of virtual water shows students how much water is required for certain things to be produced. Objective
Preparation
Execution
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In conclusion, students learn to recognise global connections using distorted maps and to expand their view beyond the world of economic growth.
Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Introduction + main content
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Different Maps – One WorldStudents engage with world maps whose surfaces do not represent the actual size of these countries but their proportional relation to a global topic. Objective
Preparation
Execution
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Main section + discussion
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Outlook: Another World Is PossibleIf you look past your own backyard, you find people and societies whose values and goals are not oriented solely on economic growth. Specifically, students become familiar with four provided examples and with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Objective
Preparation
Execution
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