Unit Lesson

The Danger of a Single Story Lesson

Every year I work with a teacher in another part of the world so that our students can become pen pals and learn about each other. Last year, I introduced my students to where their new pen pals live in India. We began to discuss what they know about India, and talk about some of the questions they have about where their new friends live. Right off, students started discussing about how poor people in India are and how the kids do not have adequate clothing, shoes, housing, or schools. When I began asking them why they know people in India live like that, they said because we have seen it on the news and in movies. Because most of my students had misconceptions about India, I showed them the film, "The Danger of a Single Story." Afterwards, we discussed what they now thought about their new friends in India and how they thought they may live. The class then discussed what ideas they felt that their new friends may have about them because they live here in the United States. My students were very excited to begin writing letters to their new friends! This was a major eye opener for me as a teacher. I have often thought how many have these misconceptions about different places and people around the world.

Defining Global Education

 Global Education enables students to help shape the future of this world through science, humanities, and social sciences. The UN has outlined 17 sustainable development goals that outline the important topics our world is facing today. By educating students to understand how important these topics are, and peeking their interest in these topics, we can produce a new generation of people who will work to make this world better for everyone. 

Using Digital Tools in Lessons

When participating in the Fulbright Global Education class, I had an opportunity to work with a teacher in Indiana. We wanted students to see the differences between their town and ours. Using Google Earth, the students made assumptions about student's lives in their town. They also came up with a list of questions to ask their peers. Using FlipGrid, my students were able to video their questions to their peers in Indiana. The teacher I worked with, and myself, were able to monitor the videos before hand and make sure that everyone was on their best behavior! Students in Indiana were then able to respond to their peers and answer questions, as well as ask their own questions. This was a fun activity that both classes seemed to really enjoy doing. The students really enjoyed seeing and communicating with each other. I am hoping to extend this activity to include students in Finland as well. 

Travel Update

 FINLAND here we come! I am excited to announce that part of my Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms cohort will be traveling to Finland in November. It is an honor to be included among this incredible group of educators.