This mini online course project aims to equip high school students from across the State of Hawaiʻi participating in the Pacific Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) Club with the knowledge and skills to complete the Global Action Project (GAP) successfully. The GAP is a cumulative project to provide students with practical experience contributing to their local community and fostering the understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) (United Nations, n.d.). To be eligible for the Distinguished Club and Global Citizenship Certificate, students must complete the GAP and document it to the PAAC. Since there are few guidance materials on the GAP available for the students, they often face challenges in understanding the essential components to complete the GAP.
The course is structured to start with the introduction of the essential elements of the GAP and then transition students into practical learning that addresses real-world problems. It includes knowledge acquisition, interactive discussions, and cooperative activities. A key feature of this course is its emphasis on student-led learning, where students assign roles such as facilitator, notetaker, and timekeeper themselves. Further, students have club-to-club interactions using collaborative digital tools, enhancing their learning experiences. This learning allows students to apply their knowledge in a practical context. In conclusion, the course equips students with both knowledge and practical skills through hands-on learning, emphasizing students’ autonomy.
Takuya Tamaki