Global Learning Quests

The Global Learning Quest model used in this site supports the AusAID Global Education Program which aims to raise awareness and understanding among Australian school students of international issues, development and poverty, and to prepare them to live in an increasingly globalised world and to be active citizens shaping better futures. Teacher Background Why use Global Learning Quests? Global Learning Quests incorporate problem solving, information literacy, and use of information and communications technology in a collaborative manner. They challenge students to make sense of big issues in the world and consider how their behaviour impacts on others. They are inherently cross-curricula drawing on a range of knowledge and methods of thinking. Global Learning Quests aim to build good global citizens - people who are: aware of the wider world, share a sense of community and their own role in the world respect and value diversity are willing to act to create a future where the rights of all people, social justice and sustainability are more secure are willing to take responsibility for their actions. (Global Perspectives, A statement on global education for Australian schools 2002, Curriculum Corporation) What is the structure of Global Learning Quests? Global Learning Quests are based on the six stages of the Information Process used in many Australian schools. http://www.asla.org.au/pubs/ws/accommat2.htm: Define - What do we want to know? An issue, based on a real event in the world is presented. A scenario is presented for students to identify with the issue and some background information is provided to help contextualise the issue. Students are put into teams to investigate one of a number of different perspectives of how people may respond to the issue. Locate - Where do we find the information? A collection of websites is provided to help start the investigation. These websites have been reviewed for their authenticity, accuracy, and currency and include text, audio and photos, where possible, to cater for different learning styles. Select - What information is important for this investigation? A series of questions are provided to help students select the information from the websites and other sources. The bibliography framework template could be used to make notes and record source of information. It is available online at: http://www.globaleducation.edna.edu.au/globaled/page1873.html Organise - How do we make sense of the information? A suggested series of steps and format is given for sorting out the collected information and considering a response to the global question. Present - How do we let others ko nw about this information? All groups share their response to the global questions and discuss a collective answer which respects the different perspectives investigated. Students are challenged to consider the connection of their own lifestyle to the issue. Evaluate - What have we learnt? A rubric is provided for students to evaluate their learning about the issue, their processes as a learner and team member and their plan of action in response to their learning. How can Global Learning Quests support my curriculum? Global Learning Quests may be used as an introduction to an issue, be part of an inquiry in a broader unit of work or an extension activity for a unit of work on the issue. Students develop understandings about people around the world, the links and connections between them, relationships between people and the environment, ways their actions contribute to the changing world, social justice, human rights and sustainable development. Students develop gather and processing information, ability to present information, review their own opinions, identify unfairness and exploring action to redress it and skills in working in teams. How can we manage Global Learning Quests without Internet connections? The Global Learning Quests are presented in three different formats to suit different classroom situations. Online - work directly from the website Print view - adapt for use without using computers Download - copy the outline and weblinks onto the school's intranet for safe and efficient access to the selected websites

	Information Process
	The six step Information Process checklist is an information literacy framework that guides students through skills for defining, locating, selecting, organising, presenting and evaluating information....