Community Problem Solving
Introduction
This module introduces Community Problem Solving as a teaching and learning strategy. As such, it is the 'practical' application module that builds on the ideas for citizenship education developed in Module 7. It also draws on the ideas about experiential, enquiry and values education, Future Problem Solving and learning outside the classroom in other modules. Community Problem Solving provides students with an opportunity to practice the skills that are needed to participate in finding solutions to the local issues that concern them. This helps to develop the important citizenship objectives of learning for a sustainable future and integrates skills - for both students and teachers - of using experiential and enquiry-based strategies. It also integrates skills in the planning of values clarification and values analysis with the possible solutions so students can take action to help achieve a sustainable future.
Objectives
To develop an understanding of Community Problem Solving, especially as it may be used in education for sustainable futures. To identify the skills students need to participate in Community Problem Solving. To explore questions and issues that may be encountered when teaching through Community Problem Solving. To identify teaching and learning strategies that may be used as part of a Community Problem Solving project.
Activities
1. Local concerns 2. What is Community Problem Solving? 3. Developing students' skills 4. Planning to use Community Problem Solving 5. Reflection
References
_____ (n.d.) Active Citizenship Today: Field Guide for Teachers, Close Up Foundation, Alexandria VA, USA. Bardwell, L., Monroe, M. and Tudor, M. (1994) Environmental Problem Solving: Theory, Practice and Possibilities in Environmental Education, North American Association for Environmental Education, Troy, Ohio. Bull, J., Cromwell, M., Cwikiel, W., Di Chiro, G., Guarina, J., Rathje, R., Stapp, W., Wals, A., and Youngquist, M. (1988)
This module introduces Community Problem Solving as a teaching and learning strategy. As such, it is the 'practical' application module that builds on the ideas for citizenship education developed in Module 7. It also draws on the ideas about experiential, enquiry and values education, Future Problem Solving and learning outside the classroom in other modules. Community Problem Solving provides students with an opportunity to practice the skills that are needed to participate in finding solutions to the local issues that concern them. This helps to develop the important citizenship objectives of learning for a sustainable future and integrates skills - for both students and teachers - of using experiential and enquiry-based strategies. It also integrates skills in the planning of values clarification and values analysis with the possible solutions so students can take action to help achieve a sustainable future.
Objectives
To develop an understanding of Community Problem Solving, especially as it may be used in education for sustainable futures. To identify the skills students need to participate in Community Problem Solving. To explore questions and issues that may be encountered when teaching through Community Problem Solving. To identify teaching and learning strategies that may be used as part of a Community Problem Solving project.
Activities
1. Local concerns 2. What is Community Problem Solving? 3. Developing students' skills 4. Planning to use Community Problem Solving 5. Reflection
References
_____ (n.d.) Active Citizenship Today: Field Guide for Teachers, Close Up Foundation, Alexandria VA, USA. Bardwell, L., Monroe, M. and Tudor, M. (1994) Environmental Problem Solving: Theory, Practice and Possibilities in Environmental Education, North American Association for Environmental Education, Troy, Ohio. Bull, J., Cromwell, M., Cwikiel, W., Di Chiro, G., Guarina, J., Rathje, R., Stapp, W., Wals, A., and Youngquist, M. (1988)