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The Fishbowl

Suitable for: student teachers

Learning Objective:

• to explore some of the literature and guidance documents on ESDGC;
• to explore some of the key controversies surrounding the teaching of ESDGC;
• to develop an understanding/tolerance of points of view with which they may not agree.
• to develop non-conflict ways of dealing with points of view with which they may not agree.

ESD&GC concepts: all, but especially Conflict Resolution, Values and Perceptions, Diversity.

Preparation for the activity
In preparation for the activity they should have access to examples of literature and guidance documents on ESDGC from government and other sources. This will enable them to consider the different models and frameworks that are proposed and discuss the implications of these for teaching and learning.

Students will also need to be aware of the key environmental and development problems facing the planet. See Understanding SD and GC

The activity
Divide the students into two groups and ask them to prepare to justify one of the following statements:

Statement 1
We don’t have the right to expose young people to the extensive traumas of the world.

Statement 2
If we don’t awaken young people to the reality of the global/human condition we are betraying them.

The fishbowl activity takes place after students have had a chance to consider the documents and prepare to justify their allotted statement.

Those with statement 1 will form a circle in the middle.
Those with statement 2 will form a circle around the outside.

Those in the middle should argue as if they agree with statement 1.
Those around the outside should argue as if they agree with statement 2.

Those inside discuss their views about statement 1 – those outside listen.
Swap places – those inside now discuss statement 2 – those outside listen.

The fishbowl activity requires students to justify a point of view whether they agree with it or not. It helps them develop a better understanding of the range of opinions put forward to justify ESDGC and the views of those who don’t think this is appropriate for children.