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To support the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, I would help children understand how climate change affects both their local environment and communities around the world. For example, we might look at how rising temperatures lead to increased rainfall and flooding in Ireland, and compare this to the impact of droughts or wildfires in other countries. Using age-appropriate digital tools such as interactive climate maps, videos, and child-friendly news reports, we would explore the causes and effects of climate change in a relatable way.
To take local action, I would work with pupils to co-create a class or school project—such as organising a “Green Week,” designing posters to encourage walking or cycling to school, starting a school garden, or reducing single-use plastics. Pupils could document their journey using digital tools like Book Creator or Seesaw, and share their work with families or a partner school abroad. This encourages global citizenship, while also promoting digital literacy, critical thinking, and inclusive, meaningful engagement with climate action.
Gender stereotypes in kids’ sports are common and can have long-lasting effects on confidence, participation, and self-image. These stereotypes often suggest that boys are naturally better at physical activity, more competitive, or stronger, while girls are expected to be less athletic, more passive, or only suited for certain “feminine” sports like dance or gymnastics.
Gender stereotypes can significantly impact young students by shaping how they view themselves and others. From an early age, children may internalize ideas such as “boys are better at sport” or “girls like dolls.” These assumptions can influence students’ confidence, participation in class, career aspirations, and relationships. In a school environment, such stereotypes may go unchallenged unless actively addressed.
Classroom example:
In a group project, students are asked to divide up roles. The boys quickly choose to be the leaders and handle technical tasks, while the girls take on decorating jobs. When a girl offers to work on the laptop, a boy says, “That’s not a girl job,” reinforcing the stereotype that leadership is for boys.Development education can help challenge these gender stereotypes by promoting equality, critical thinking, and global awareness. Through open discussions, teachers can help students reflect on where these beliefs come from and how they affect others. By including diverse role models from around the world—such as female scientists, male nurses, students can see that all roles are possible for everyone.
Teachers can also rotate classroom roles so that all students experience leadership, creative, and analytical tasks, helping to build confidence and break down gendered expectations. Role-playing, storytelling, and exploring global perspectives can further encourage empathy and understanding.
Incorporating development education into everyday lessons helps students recognize injustice, appreciate diversity, and develop a sense of global citizenship. It empowers them to question stereotypes, respect others, and make inclusive choices. Ultimately, development education plays a key role in creating a classroom culture where all students—regardless of gender—feel valued, capable, and free to be themselves.
Global education is important for schools in Ireland as it helps students understand interconnected global issues, promotes empathy and cultural awareness, and prepares them to be active, responsible citizens. It supports inclusion, aligns with Ireland’s commitment to sustainability and human rights, and enriches learning through diverse global perspectives.
The paper “The Role of Global Citizens in Today’s World” (Ehigie, 2021) highlights the urgent need for education that fosters global citizenship. It argues that in an interconnected world facing issues like climate change, inequality, and migration, individuals must be equipped with knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking to act responsibly and ethically. Development education plays a vital role in this by encouraging students to understand global issues and take informed action.
Development education is important because it builds global awareness, promotes empathy, enhances critical thinking, and encourages sustainable, ethical behavior. It aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, which calls for education that supports peace, human rights, and sustainability.
To incorporate development education in teaching, educators can use project-based learning, critical media analysis, and reflection activities. Interdisciplinary approaches—such as integrating global themes into subjects like science, history, and literature—can help students connect local and global perspectives.
Supporting student-led advocacy and encouraging active participation are also key. Ultimately, development education transforms students into active global citizens who are aware of their role in shaping a just and sustainable future. This approach not only deepens learning but also prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the world.
