By Dr Charles Margerison, Psychologist
The Key Question
What should students learn about people and places between the ages of 7 and 11? This was at the heart of a major report recently published by the British Government. The conclusion was that it's time to rethink the geography curriculum.
The Changing Landscape of Geography Education
Not before time many will say, as students are increasingly aware of geographical issues from their personal experiences. The traditional approach to geography lessons needs to evolve to match how students actually learn about the world today.
Student Geography Awareness Today
Diverse Backgrounds: In many British school classrooms, over one-third of students were born in a country outside of the U.K., or have relatives in other countries.
Travel Experience: An increasing percentage of students have visited foreign countries on holidays, bringing firsthand cultural knowledge to the classroom.
Media Exposure: By watching news and documentary shows on television, students gain information about different countries outside of formal lessons.
💡 Key Insight: Students absorb their basic understanding of Geography outside of the classroom.
Implications and Applications
The role of the geography lesson at Primary level should include a focus in developing students conversational/oracy skills about countries and cultures.
The Can Do Kids Worldwide Approach
We have supported this by creating educational resources that enable all students to contribute through 5-minute animated videos on countries such as France, China, Brazil, England, USA and many others.
These are introduced by a virtual music group called The Can Do Kids Band, with five members representing students from India, South Africa, USA, Australia and China.
🎸 Band Motto
"Follow the music and learn about people and places"
Innovation in Action: This innovative approach to studying the way of life in different countries quickly gains the attention of students. In particular, every student gains the same information which serves to foster discussions.
The Well-Tested Lesson Plan
The lesson plan enables the educator to facilitate discussions about the chosen country, rather than teaching in the traditional way.
Introduction
5 minutesThe educator introduces the country to be studied, and informs the students that they will discuss the key points in groups of 4 or 5.
Video Presentation
5 minutesA video from the website www.candokidsworldwide.com is shown in the classroom.
Group Discussions
15-20 minutesStudents meet in groups and elect a note-taker and chairperson. Their task is to list as many points of interest they can remember about the country.
Group Presentations
15 minutesEach spokesperson reports on the group discussions, sharing insights and observations with the whole class.
Review & Extension
10 minutesEducator comments on the presentations and adds any project work required.
Total Lesson Time: 50-55 minutes
A complete, engaging geography lesson that prioritizes student voice and collaborative learning
Benefits of This Approach
Assessment Through Discussion
By enabling students to share their views, the educator can see the level of comprehension in real-time.
Student Voice
The process provides a focus for student voices, where they can learn from each other.
Creativity Development
Students develop their creativity by making presentations in different ways.
Enhanced Collaboration
Teamwork and supportive relationships between students improve and lead to enhanced learning.
📚 Cross-Curricular Application
This approach can be used in many areas of the curriculum and is particularly effective in Geography, Social Studies and Intercultural Learning.
Key Takeaways
✓ Students today learn about geography through diverse personal experiences outside the classroom
✓ Geography lessons should focus on developing conversational and oracy skills about countries and cultures
✓ The Can Do Kids Worldwide approach uses engaging 5-minute videos and discussion-based learning
✓ A well-structured 50-minute lesson plan facilitates rather than dictates learning
✓ Benefits include better assessment, enhanced student voice, creativity, and improved collaboration
Ready to Transform Your Geography Lessons?
Explore our resources and see how the Can Do Kids Worldwide approach can engage your students in meaningful geographical learning.
Classroom Activity Idea
Have students create their own "cultural celebration comparison chart" listing the traditions mentioned in this article. They can research and add traditions from their own culture or family background!
Extension: Students could interview family members about special celebrations and present their findings to the class.