Exercise #17
Quiz: Climate Change and Pandemic
Authors: Dr Elena Rousou, Dr Panagiota Ellina, Mrs Paraskevi Charitou
15-20 minutes
Description
A short quiz on the impact of climate change and the pandemic on global health. Six mixed multiple-choice and true/false questions explore mental health effects of climate displacement, health-system responses, intersectoral collaboration, and the importance of culturally sensitive care for refugees and transcultural communities. Followed by a mini case scenario and reflection prompts.
Methodological Guide
Objectives
By the end of this exercise, participants will be able to: Identify and explain the health impacts of climate change and pandemics on vulnerable populations; recognize mental health challenges and systemic vulnerabilities faced by transcultural communities during global crises; apply knowledge of interdisciplinary collaboration to mitigate health risks associated with climate change and pandemics; promote awareness of culturally sensitive healthcare and equity-focused global health strategies.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the activity, students will: identify climate-related health risks and pandemic vulnerabilities; analyze the intersection of climate change, pandemics, and health equity; recognize the importance of culturally sensitive care for vulnerable populations; apply knowledge of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing global health challenges.
Exercise Procedure
Introduction (2–3 min): teacher explains the purpose of the activity and links it to chapter themes. Guiding question: ‘Why is it important to consider both pandemics and climate change when thinking about global health?’ Quiz Completion (10 min): students individually complete the online quiz; teacher circulates to support technical issues. Discussion (5 min): how do cultural differences impact communication in healthcare? what role does discrimination play in healthcare access? how can professionals advocate for refugee and migrant health equity? Group Reflection (5 min): students discuss correct answers and connect them to real-world health challenges. Summary (2–3 min).
Mode of Implementation
Individual + Group Work: quiz completed individually, followed by small group discussion. Group size: 3–5 students for discussion.
Role of the Teacher
Introduce the quiz and explain its relevance to global health, climate change, and pandemics. Monitor student engagement and provide clarifications as needed. Facilitate group discussions, ensuring students link quiz content to professional practice. Offer feedback that promotes reflection, awareness, and cultural sensitivity.
Theoretical Basis
Disorienting Dilemma: the quiz exposes students to situations and questions that challenge their assumptions about the effects of climate change and pandemics. Critical Reflection: after completing the quiz, students analyze why certain options are correct, reflecting on gaps in knowledge and linking them to real-world scenarios. Dialogue and Action: students discuss quiz questions in small groups, sharing perspectives on cultural sensitivity, mental health, and policy responses. Experiential elements: consider supplementing the quiz with case discussions or news articles about recent climate-related health events affecting refugees and transcultural communities.
Practical Application
Students apply knowledge directly through multiple-choice and true/false questions. Each question is tied to real-life implications, such as mental health outcomes or health system responses. Small group discussion allows learners to connect quiz content to professional practice and public health strategies.
Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge gained through the quiz can be transferred to case studies, simulations, or policy analysis exercises. Students develop awareness of interdisciplinary approaches and culturally sensitive interventions for global health crises.
Reinforcement & Reflection
Self-assessment: students immediately see correct answers and explanations for each question. Peer discussion: encourages reflection and collaborative learning. Feedback focuses on deepening understanding, not penalizing incorrect answers.
Required Resources
Access to the online quiz; access to chapter reading or glossary of key terms; optional whiteboard or shared document for group discussion notes.
Assessment / Evaluation
Self-Assessment: students review quiz results and note areas where understanding improved. Peer-Assessment: in groups, students explain reasoning for answers to each other.
Practical Tips
Ensure all students have access to the online quiz. Encourage sharing of local examples to connect theory to practice. Use quiz results to identify concepts that may need further clarification.
Discussion Topics
Intersection of climate change, pandemics, and social determinants of health. Strategies to strengthen health systems for vulnerable populations. Role of international collaboration and policy in mitigating health risks.
Further Resources
Reflective writing prompt: ‘How can my future professional practice address the health impacts of climate change and pandemics for diverse populations?’ Research a recent climate-related health event in their country and summarize its impact on marginalized groups.
Additional Remarks
Highlight the importance of equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity in global health strategies. Reinforce the connection between knowledge gained from quizzes and practical applications in professional healthcare or public health.