Teachers observed from a distance to ensure that all students were being afforded the
chance to listen or speak, and plenary feedback was held after the small group discussions.
Some school groups added a song or musical piece, and others held an informal
refreshment session.
After the Israeli group visit in October, each school group in Ireland followed up with a
formative self-assessment in order to gather views on the content, format and performance
of the visit discussion. The findings were collated by SAB staff and issued to each teacher
for further reflection on key skills with their class, in good time for the Palestinian
group visit in January 2012. These findings were also shared with the visiting Israeli and
Palestinian groups.
The visits were recorded via newsletter or website articles and awareness-raising activities
including presentations to other class groups. The success of the visits led to an eight-day
visit to Israel & Palestine in February 2012 by 14 students and three teachers from five of the
Dublin schools.
Why do you consider this good practice?
The activities are placed in the students’ hands: the task and working group formats enable
students to act and direct activities effectively. There is peer-to-peer learning and parity of
esteem within and between local and visiting groups.
There are opportunities for multiple perspectives on DE themes and concepts that focus on
action for positive change.
Integrated formative self-assessments reinforce the value of active learning and help
to further develop critical thinking on the subject themes and core concepts, as well
as personal engagement and teamwork. Feedback from peers further promotes the
learning process.
The visits provide opportunities for students to engage further outside the classroom.
What would you do to improve on this in the future?
SAB surveys show that students would like more time for the discussions. SAB has
organised a follow-up “Big Day Out” on a Saturday or Sunday during the 10-day visit in order
to offer students and teachers the option for further discussions and recreational activities.
Further Information
Schools Across Borders includes online teaching resources.