Week 4, post by the analyst - Louise

Hi, my name is Louise and I was the analyst this week! This week`s activity has been to analyses tree world maps projections (Robinson, Mercator and Azimuthal) just because the maps size of the countries varies on maps. In our group, we discussed that it`s important that we as teachers show pupils all three maps to compare in order to give them a better understanding. But the map we thought gave the clearest picture of how the world looks like, is Robinsons map. We have also selected a country from Europe and a country from North America, that we explored at the map. Both countries (Turkey and Greenland) are different in the three maps, and it is important to explain that. We have chosen an example that makes it easier for students in primary schools to understand. When you draw a heart on a paper does it looks different from what it really looks like in the human body. But children usually don`t know that until someone explain it for them. We have to explain for the pupils that sometimes a picture of something may have a different meaning in reality, and also that a picture can have different meanings for different people. We have also chosen an activity that teachers can use in the classroom, Treasure hunt methodology - Cambridge. The teacher have to make small cards with clues and then hide them in the classroom. The pupils can do the treasure hunt in pairs, groups or the whole class together. The teacher give them the first question, and when the pupils have answered the question they will find a new clue.

The best part of this activity was to analyse and discuss the different maps. We shared information with each other and we learned a lot because we have good cooperation. We have learned to be more aware of the pictures and facts are not always true. It`s also important to be able to show our future pupils the differences.One example that is similar is that we teach pupils source criticism on internet (in sweden). It`s always easier for pupils to understand when the teacher show a right example and false example, then they get a greater understanding. 

We also discussed about how we would explain something similar (the maps) to the pupils in primary school so they understand. We can use the example of ”the heart”. We have good knowledge and example that we can share and use in our future classes. The best moment of the week was the preparation when we work together and shared thoughts and ideas. This is important for us in our future profession to be able to work with different colleagues that makes the pupils prepared for the best condition to make good in school. Last week we had the goal to be more creative in our work, and we've gotten better but I would say that we need to have the same goal for the next week too.

// Louise :)