Economics: The Effects of Globalization

Secondary

Description

The challenging process of 'Academic Controversy' is used to engage students in exploring global issues in the classroom. The focus of the academic controversy is on the role of the WTO and globalization. China became a member of the WTO in December 2001. While the long-term effects of China's entry into the global market are yet to be determined, some fear that liberalized trade policies and a greater involvement in the global economy will create more poverty and put much of China's population at a disadvantage.

Using China as a case study, students will explore the entry of developing countries into the WTO and the effects of globalization. What is the WTO? Who gains and who loses from globalization? Students will focus on two perspectives:

• The entry of developing countries into the WTO is hurting those countries.

• The entry of developing countries into the WTO is empowering those countries.

In this 'Academic Controversy' lesson plan, students go on to switch sides in the debate, making the case for the opposing position. Both sides then work together to reach a resolution that synthesizes elements of both positions. Instead of a win-lose, competitive framework, the activity uses a collaborative process of communication, perspective-taking, and problem-solving. This enables participants to move away from a narrow focus to a vision that encompasses broader contexts and brings to view the underlying needs of both sides.

Using the 'Academic Controversy' model, students will develop skills in: creating and presenting arguments; researching; collaboration and communication; conflict resolution and consensus-building.

Students will be evaluated on participation, use of student organizers, and a culminating project, which will demonstrate their understanding of the content and their mastery of the process.

There are 2 versions of the lesson provided: a longer version and a compressed version. The longer version can span from one-two weeks. The compressed version could be completed in two to three days. A website provides the teacher with many background resources that the students can be directed to if they need more information. The lesson is structured as follows:

• Introduce Students to 'Academic Controversy'
• Warm-Up Activity: "Trying On" Academic Controversy (approx. 25 min)
• Warm-Up and Introduction to Content
• Form Groups and Research Positions
• Start Academic Controversy:Warm up and Re-group; Present the best case for their positions, Engage in open discussion, Reverse perspectives, Re-Group and Synthesize, Creating a joint report

There are 7 handouts that are to be used as scaffolding for the teacher and the students. This is very well done! There are templates for assessment and evaluation which are very useful as well.

More

General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units