Developing Empathy and Understanding
This activity uses the concept of scale to reveal to students how connections may be seen differently at different scales. Scale is not discrete, and to encourage interdependence students can be invited to 'zoom in' and 'out' of a geographical issue or place.
1. Initial stimulus
Completing the Multiple identities sheet encourages students to consider how their lives can be viewed from different scales and be seen quite differently. Next, students read and are asked to think about Miriam's story of her life in Burkina Faso, or one of the cotton farmer's stories from Benin.
2. Mediation of geographical understanding
To help them grasp the concept of 'interdependence', students explore personal connections. Having read the stories, students complete a 'Multiple identities' sheet with Miriam, Vigan, Robert or Michel in the centre.
3. Making sense of the matter
Students use both 'Multiple identities' sheets to consider all the ways in which 'interdependence' helps them think about their daily lives. They can also look at the similarities and differences with the daily lives of other people, e.g. Miriam.
4. Refining thinking
Here the activity could be developed in relation to, for example, consumption. Considering fair trade requires an understanding of different scales. First, the scale of experience of consumers and producers of, e.g. cotton farming in Benin, and second, the scale of 'reality' - the global scale of transnational corporations (in terms of marketing) and purchasing (at the local scale from small producers).
5. Reflection
During the plenary students could discuss how images and stories in geography are partial. We can glimpse into someone else's place or life, but to empathise with them takes time. Thus, students need rich and detailed information as well as sufficient time to investigate and reflect on it.
Resources and Links
Download the Venn diagram designed to help you plan your 'Developing Empathy and Understanding' activities.
- Oxfam - Vigan, Robert or Michel's story and Miriam's story
- Similar stories are available through development and development education organisations or could be developed through school partnerships – see Guidance and support
- The QCA’s Innovating with Geography site includes a range of ideas for developing empathy and understanding and dealing with sensitive issues
