About this Collection
What do I want to find out?
How aware are pupils of the similarities between their own country and others, and what are pupils’ preconceptions of lifestyles, food and products in other countries, and their awareness of the global nature of modern culture?
What do I need?
- A collection of images of everyday objects, products, food items. Illustrations or clip art images remove any opportunity for pupils to find indicators of the country in the image, and to focus on the concept rather than the detail of the picture.
- A sheet of paper to record responses.
What do I do?
Timing: 5 minutes
- Show the pupils each image, or all the pictures together and ask them to decide whether they would expect to find that item in the UK, in China or in both places. Decide whether you want them to vote for their answers, write them down, or sort the printed images and place them in the relevant categories.
- Ask pupils to record reasons for their choices and any other comments they make.
- Younger pupils may need support with writing down responses; if so record responses yourself or ask colleagues or volunteers to be note takers
How do I analyse the results?
- Keep a tally of the decision that is made for each photo: how many times it is put in the China category, how many in the UK and how many in both/either.
- Keep a record of all comments the pupils make, as well as their justifications for their choices.
- Note any critical thinking or questioning of the activity itself or of fellow pupils.
- Record any comments made about stereotypes.
How do I measure the change?
- Depending on the time between each audit, you can repeat the activity exactly, or use an alternative set of photos based on the same criteria
- You may prefer to ask pupils to revisit the original activity, show them their responses and ask them if they would like to change their mind. Record the changes, the reasons and which image they related to.
- Look for the extent to which pupils recognise diversity in each country and similarities between the two countries.
- Note whether pupils are aware of the extent to which brands and objects are shared globally.
- Record any references pupils make to diaspora communities in the UK and in China.