So, your team has come up with a local issue for your TP, but is it a winner, or is it a lemon? Run through this list of criteria to find out!
1. Local and listed
The issue must clearly connect to one of the Global Perspectives topics listed in the syllabus.
It should have a clear local dimension (affecting e.g. your school, neighbourhood, or community).
2. Researchable
There must be enough information available to research the issue.
The issue should allow for exploration of different perspectives (e.g., students, parents, local authorities, experts).
3. Multiple aspects/perspectives
The issue should be broad enough for each team member to research a distinct aspect or perspective.
Example:
Issue: Digital divide among students
Perspectives: Students without home internet, teachers, parents, school IT staff
4. Actionable
The issue should be one that the team can realistically address with a practical course of action.
Example:
Issue: Lack of inclusive sports opportunities for students with disabilities
Action: Organize an inclusive sports event at school
The action should be achievable within the resources, time, and abilities of the team.
5. Measurable
There must be clear ways to measure the impact or success of the team’s action (surveys, feedback, before-and-after comparisons, etc.)
There should be clear ways to measure the impact or success of the action.
Example:
Issue: Low recycling rates at school
Measurement: Compare the amount of recycled material before and after the campaign; survey student awareness
6. Ethical and sensitive
The issue should be appropriate for students to address, considering safety, privacy, dignity, and cultural sensitivity.
Example:
Issue: Raising awareness about mental health
Ethical Approach: Use anonymous surveys and focus on general well-being, not individual cases
7. Potential for collaboration
The issue should require teamwork and collaboration, not just individual effort.
It should encourage discussion, negotiation, and shared decision-making.
Bad example:
Issue: Improving disabled access at a private club’s tennis courts that only one team member belongs to.
Good example:
Issue: Promoting cycling to school
Teamwork: One student researches safety, another surveys student perspectives, another contacts local authorities about bike lanes
8. Easy to document
The process and outcomes should be easy to explain in writing and document with evidence (photos, feedback, data, etc.)
If your issue meets all or most of these requirements you could be onto a winner!