Learning Objectives

Students will
-understand how the MDGs are connected.
-develop research and peer education skills, preparing them for participation in action-learning on the MDGs beyond the classroom.

Teaching Process

1. As a class, brainstorm a list of 4-5 issues related to the Goal (if the group has participated in the Mind Mapping the MDGs exercise, the list may be adapted from there).

2. On the board, create a matrix with the issues on one axis and the following categories along the other:
-Signs that the Issue Exists
-Causes
-Solutions
-Effects of Not Addressing the Issue

The category titles may need to be adapted, depending on the Goal and the issues determined by the class.

3. Explain to the class that, for each issue, there are indicators or signs that an issue is present in a community, underlying causes to the issue, possible solutions to improve the situation, and consequences to not achieving those solutions. If students have participated in previous research on the MDGs, they may already have suggestions to fill information in the grid.

4. Assign 1-2 students to each square on the grid and have students independently conduct internet research to find the information that fits their square, for example, “indicators of unsanitary water conditions” or “solutions to eliminate gender disparity in education.” Remind them that there may be extensive research on these statements, but their objective is to find 2-3 essential pieces of information to support their square on the grid.

5. Once all the students have conducted their research (either in class or on their own at home) distribute a handout of the grid and explain that each person must now gather information for every square. Ask students for ideas on how to fill the grid most efficiently (the intended method is to ask one another for information; introduce the concept of peer education and reinforce the importance of working collaboratively).

6. Allow students about 20 minutes to mingle around the room and “interview” each other, filling in the squares with the appropriate information as they educate each other.

7. Once everyone has had an opportunity to fill their grid, or come close to completion, come back together as a class to reflect and share information. Ask students to share a reaction to one piece of new information they learned from this activity. As a group, discuss the process of gathering and sharing information this way, as well as the benefits and disadvantages.

8. Create a master class grid to clarify and correct research as needed, and share research sources.

Teachers Notes

This activity can be conducted using all of the Goals or focusing on one Goal and its respective targets or issues; however, the scope of the activity should be determined in advance to help students understand the structure of their research. Students should have some previous knowledge of the issues underlying the Goals that will be addressed in this activity.

This activity is part of the Teacher Toolkit on the Millennium Development Goals produced by TakingITGlobal and the One World Youth Project.