The PULSE is designed to give students a forum to deliberate some of the most challenging issues of our time with their peers around the nation and around the globe. By speaking with their peers in other cities, other states, other countries, they are able to come to a greater understanding of international issues and a greater appreciation for diverse beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

Learning Objectives:

• Increase students’ interest in and understanding of the world and its people through dialogue
• Increase students’ understanding of particular issues by questioning experts and ability to analyze and form opinions on pressing international issues

Global Nomads Group provides the forum for this cultural exchange.
The success of the program for ALL schools hinges on your and your students’ level of preparation and engagement.

Day One:
Up to three participating schools meet and discuss the PULSE topic. A GNG moderator begins the conference by posing basic questions to the students (sent to teachers beforehand) to open up the dialogue. A GNG moderator continues to direct questions, facilitate the conversation among students and schools, and generally move the discussion along.

Day Two:
A GNG moderator introduces a guest speaker, an expert in the topic to be discussed. After the expert explains his/her background and involvement in the issue, we open up the conference to questions and answers. The moderator facilitates as students ask questions and engage in dialogue with the speaker.

Teacher Responsibilities:

• Teach students about the issue using the lesson plans provided or a variation thereof.
• Engage students in discussion PRIOR to the videoconference to increase their comfort and familiarity with sharing their opinions.
• Ensure that students have questions and ideas on the topic before the start of the conference. You may want to select one or two students to speak first.
• Share with students what they can expect from the videoconference.

Student Responsibilities:

• Learn about the topic at hand by participating in lessons and relevant activities prior to the conference.
• Come to the conference prepared with questions you’d like to ask of your peers and/or an expert.
• Be open with your ideas and opinions; feel free to challenge, disagree with, agree with, and expand on the ideas of others.
• Always show respect for others’ points of view.

GNG Responsibilities:

• Provide teachers with lesson plans and other materials that enable them to prepare students for the conference.
• During the session, welcome each class and provide a comfortable and open atmosphere for the genuine deliberation of ideas and viewpoints.
• During the session, ensure that all schools have an equal opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions.
• Keep the videoconference running smoothly, allowing students to ask questions directly to one another and moderating fairly.