Water Watch Programme for Young Leaders (WWP4YL) modules series II UNESCO-IHP Malaysia

Abstract

This book has three (3) parts. The first part consists of an introductory chapter introducing the theme for this book and a brief introduction of each of the WWP4YL module topics, while the second part presents the twelve (12) modules developed by subject matter experts from universities and other institutions, government agencies and other organizations on WWP4YL topics. This module covers twelve (12) topics divided into two themes, namely, i) fundamental aspects- which are important in understanding from a scientific point of view, and ii) experiential learning- towards understanding the practice, awareness, and current issues related to water. Together, six (6) modules are presented under the first theme, while the remaining seven (7) modules are presented under the second theme. The last part of this book presents the conclusion made from the modules presented in it. As per module series 1, this module series is also designed to be flexible. Thus, each module is presented in a brief but easy- to-read format with a detachable worksheet(s) to carry out the exercise(s) and experiment(s) related to the module’s topic. This is to ensure that WWP4YL trainers and participants feel that each module is flexible enough to carry anywhere as they can choose and tear any of the relevant modules to be used either as a separate material (individually) or as a combined material in a package form according to their needs when delivering WWP4YL program activities. In line with our intention to make the content ‘easy to read and use’, each module is designed in such a way that it is briefly introduced via the title, general background and specific objectives sections before the activity is presented in a worksheet form. This allows both trainers and participants to work on each activity within the time frame proposed in the module. In addition, readers will find that each module applies teaching methods and activities that only suit the module’s topic. Thus, it is common to find that some modules may have teaching method(s) and activity(ies) that are suitable for a classroom environment, while others may propose on-site experiments as the content is suitable for outdoor activities only. In short, while the content, teaching methods and delivery of activities may differ, it is important to note that module developers have designed the module in the best way possible as the aim is to motivate youths and get them to be engaged during module delivery since WWP4YL is supposed to be interactive. It is important to note that each module will focus on the ‘what’, ‘why’ and the ‘how’ aspects of learning. The ‘what’ aspect for instance may refer to the definition(s) of key terms being explained in the module. This is to help participants along the way since they may find some terms that may sound foreign and technical which they do not understand. The ‘what’ and ‘why’ aspect mainly are covered in the module’s objectives while the ‘how’ aspect will be explained in the instructions made available in the worksheets. Some modules even provide Internet links for their activities, so participants can take part interactively.