3. Problem solving activities

In the lessons to follow learners will examine ways to overcome problems which they encountered during phase 1 and phase 2 of their research.

In the first activity, learners will be required to offer voluntary assistance at a sporting venue of choice. This means that they will adopt a sporting venue in the area.  Educators must draft a letter to the owners of the sporting venue detailing the project, and what the duties of the learners will be.  The task of the learners at the sporting venue will be as public relations officers.  They will identify the negative aspects of the venue, and examine ways of tackling these negative points. e.g. if the venue is in need of painting, learners could raise funds to buy paint and get it painted.  Learners will also contact other schools and relevant sporting bodies to 'sell' the venue to them as a place to hold events

Learners could create a community awareness about their findings on sports tourism and its benefits to the local community.  This awareness can be created through writing articles for local newspapers, drawing up posters to display at local shopping centres and other schools.

Research results could be presented to all stakeholders (the local authority, businesses, community leaders and owners of sport venues). These stakeholders must be encouraged to form an interim committee to resolve the key problems which have been identified.

Learners could consult with community organisations and businesses in the area to see if they would like to get involved in maintaining the area. This can incorporate the removal of litter, the enhancement of the general appearance of the area by asking businesses to adopt spots where they can take care of kerbs, plant flowers or maintain a specific area, etc.

Learners could formulate a brochure or pamphlet on all the sporting facilities available in the area.  The local tourism authority can be contacted to assist with the development of this brochure and have it published for circulation around the country.

Learners could organise a fun walk.  Money generated from the fun walk can be donated to non-governmental organisations to fund sport centres in distress.  Local radio stations are usually willing to attend community-driven functions, thus generating publicity for the event. This could be coupled with a flea market to attract the maximum number of people.

Learners could compile a list of the sporting centres in the area, and provide contact details.  A prominent local business could be encouraged to create a web page of sporting tourism in Amanzimtoti, providing all the information, including e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc.

Using the Amanzimtoti case study "Under-utilization of Sporting Facilities", a panel discussion could be conducted, concentrating on the case study. This discussion could be held in a classroom, the school hall, the sporting venue or even on the local community radio.

Learners could evaluate the problems identified in the case study and provide solutions of their own. 
 

[Next page]

Home | Case Writers | Amanzimtoti Profile | Case Study | Learner Activities | Teacher Notes | Conclusion