Our Project
A 3-year classroom and field research project designed to engage high school Economic students in project-based learning culminating in the
publication of a guidebook, a video documentary, and a socially active website for students on “Microfinance in Action.” The purpose of this project is to: 1) prepare our students to enter a workforce based on a global economy that requires awareness and understanding of the interconnectedness of our world issues and cultures; 2) involve our students in project-based learning that challenges their critical thinking and decision-making skills; and 3) instill in our students a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.
Students will participate in an integrated curriculum on globalization during their required semester of Economics. Working in groups to
research and analyze the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the economic, political, and social issues of a particular developing nation, and the use of microfinance to promote economic growth and sustainability, students will utilize “future problem solving” skills to present a solution to address those issues in their selected country. Student groups will then prepare a proposal to present their findings to the Ambassador of their selected country.
Throughout the semester students will use technology to: 1) research issues; 2) partner with high schools in developing nations via Skype to
collaborate on research; and 3) use social media to promote awareness of the UN MDGs and the use of microfinance as a tool to assist in the eradication of poverty. Additionally, all students enrolled in the Economics course will become members of the KIVA Club. We were the first high school club in the state of Tennessee to be chartered by KIVA.org and to date have raised $1,500.00 and made more than 39 loans to individuals/groups in developing nations.
Finally, students will have the opportunity to travel to areas of the U.S. and overseas to document individual stories via oral histories
and video documentation. Partnering with non-governmental organizations will allow first-hand study of microfinance in developing rural areas and how it can promote economic growth and sustainability.
The field research combined with classroom work will tie all elements of this project together to provide a platform for students to create a guidebook entitled “Microfinance in Action: A Guide for Teenagers” to be disseminated globally to other interested high schools, a video documentary on microfinance in action, and a student-run website that will promote global and cultural awareness among young adults.
publication of a guidebook, a video documentary, and a socially active website for students on “Microfinance in Action.” The purpose of this project is to: 1) prepare our students to enter a workforce based on a global economy that requires awareness and understanding of the interconnectedness of our world issues and cultures; 2) involve our students in project-based learning that challenges their critical thinking and decision-making skills; and 3) instill in our students a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.
Students will participate in an integrated curriculum on globalization during their required semester of Economics. Working in groups to
research and analyze the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the economic, political, and social issues of a particular developing nation, and the use of microfinance to promote economic growth and sustainability, students will utilize “future problem solving” skills to present a solution to address those issues in their selected country. Student groups will then prepare a proposal to present their findings to the Ambassador of their selected country.
Throughout the semester students will use technology to: 1) research issues; 2) partner with high schools in developing nations via Skype to
collaborate on research; and 3) use social media to promote awareness of the UN MDGs and the use of microfinance as a tool to assist in the eradication of poverty. Additionally, all students enrolled in the Economics course will become members of the KIVA Club. We were the first high school club in the state of Tennessee to be chartered by KIVA.org and to date have raised $1,500.00 and made more than 39 loans to individuals/groups in developing nations.
Finally, students will have the opportunity to travel to areas of the U.S. and overseas to document individual stories via oral histories
and video documentation. Partnering with non-governmental organizations will allow first-hand study of microfinance in developing rural areas and how it can promote economic growth and sustainability.
The field research combined with classroom work will tie all elements of this project together to provide a platform for students to create a guidebook entitled “Microfinance in Action: A Guide for Teenagers” to be disseminated globally to other interested high schools, a video documentary on microfinance in action, and a student-run website that will promote global and cultural awareness among young adults.