Examples of Global Project-Based Learning Opportunities
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Ambassador's Projects: At the beginning of the school year, student pick one country on which to focus. At the end of each unit, students complete a project which connects the content from the unit with that particular country. For example, in my AP Human Geography class, students complete projects on the population (unit 2), culture - including making a dish from that country (unit 3), agriculture (unit 5), etc. of the country they have chosen. In my experience, keys for success are a model example to show students, clear expectations around content, and a connection to current events.
Reader's Theater Project on Nelson Mandela's Rivonia Trial Speech: This project gives students an opportunity to analyze a complex text from an important international figure. This project could be done in conjunction with the English teacher, as analysis of speeches are required in the English Language Arts curriculum, as well as an expectation in the Common Core curriculum. Theater or dramatic arts could also be an easy collaboration. In pairs, students select an excerpt from the speech in which to prepare a dramatic reading. Words and sentences may be omitted, but none of the phrasing can be changed. Parts of the speech can be repeated or emphasized to indicate the key message of the speech. I have used this project in my 10th grade World History class and have found that a video model is important, as well as background information on Nelson Mandela, apartheid, and the trial itself. At least one full class period is needed to analyze the speech before beginning to plan the Reader's Theater presentation. The students should read the excerpts of the speeches so the audience gets a feel for the entire speech. Written Comparison Between Popular and Folk Culture: The effects of globalization is a common theme in global education. Students can deepen their global competencies by comparing and contrasting examples of popular and folk culture. Students can choose to focus on sports, music, food, language, or any other area of interest they may have. Music and languages classes are natural areas of collaboration. Many of my students in Washington, D.C. choose to compare hip hop music and go go music, which is specific to Washington, D.C. In preparation for the project, students must have a clear understanding of the differences between popular and folk culture and the positive and negative effects of globalization on some folk cultures. Holocaust Essay on How the Nazis Dehumanized the Jews: This is a interdisciplinary project with the English department. Students read Elie Wiesel's memoir, Night, and analyze multiple primary sources in World History class. In addition, students go on a field trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, hear a survivor speak, and present their essays to the school community. Student need to have finished reading the book Night before starting the essay. Additionally, teachers should allow at least one month for the essay writing and depending on the grade and skill level, provide a lot of scaffolding and modeling. |