This is a method by which students can follow and explore an issue or topic in newspapers and/or on television/radio over a period of time (a week to two weeks).

• Suitable for any of the 4 Units
• May enable the exploration of a current issue which is ideal for CSPE
• May arise from class work
• To supplement knowledge of issue being discussed
• Adds variety to class practice
• Enables Follow -up

• Explanation of ‘Issue Tracking’
• Produce Sample Scrap Book or Issue Tracking Sheet
• Class Brainstorm on how this could be organised
• Allocation of Duties e.g. gathering of Newspapers, TV News Clips, Radio News clips, etc.

Students form 5-6 groups. Each group is given a set of Newspapers and records the chosen issue. Or in the week between classes the students gather news stories relating to the issue under discussion.

Step 3: Compile a Scrap Book

• Students put together:
• Scrap Book
• Collage
• Wall Chart
• Write up on Issue(s) Tracked

• Do we report on the Issue Tracking Action Project?
• Do we want to look at this issue in more detail?
• Do we contact an Organisation?
• Do we invite a Guest Speaker?
• Do we take on an Action Project relating to the issue tracked?

The Worksheets for Issue Tracking are located in Unit 4 of the Exemplar materials "To the Wider World" Section 4 Pages 3 - 6.
 

Summary of Teaching Points

• Issue Tracking can arise from Class work
• Preparation is crucial - Newspapers/TV News Clips
• Need for students to be actively involved
• Need to be conscious of Newspapers read at home
• CSPE articles may not be in prominent positions
• Can lead to Guest Speakers or further Action Taking