#GlobalEducation?: Social Media, pedagogy and activism
This webinar explores how social media shapes understandings of global injustice, and how teaching can be adapted to equip students with appropriate critical skills.
#GlobalEducation?: Social Media, pedagogy and activism
25 Jun 2025, 16:00 – 17:15
This seminar with Dr Madeleine Le Bourdon addresses the evolvement of pedagogical content on Global Education topics across social media (SM).
Scholars have sought to evaluate knowledge gained through SM, and/or debated its effectiveness in mobilising collective action. Shifting focus from top-down evaluations of such content online, this seminar looks to understand how those most active experience pedagogical content on Global Education on SM.
Focus groups with high school and university students across the UK highlight four key findings:
- Young people are extremely cautious about trusting information on SM.
- Trust is more likely with content from those they feel personally connected to.
- Exposure to lived-experience through SM creates affective learning and reflexivity.
- SM can provide a catalyst for further learning and activism.
Thus, for better or for worse, educators must acknowledge SM shapes understandings of global injustice and adapt teaching to embrace and equip students with appropriate critical skills.
This event will be particularly useful for educators and researchers.
Related links
Image
Looker_Studio via Adobe Stock.
Dr Madeleine Le Bourdon
Associate Professor in the Politics of Development
School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds
Madeleine's research critically reflects on pedagogical and methodological approaches which frame how we understand global social justice issues.
Further information
Ticketing
Pre-booking essential
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes
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