Why do people migrate?

Introduction to Module 3: Why do people migrate?

People migrate for a variety of reasons. This unit will look at some of the main drivers of migration and provide context for how they affect different people in different parts of the world.

Learning Objective

Students will be able to discuss the multi-faceted drivers of migration (including, economic, social, environmental, and conflict components) and the decision to migrate, which works along a continuum, from voluntary to forced.

WMR Chapter Focus

This module will draw on the global overview of migrants and migration in Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of the World Migration Report 2024 and migrant contributions detailed in Chapter 5 of the World Migration Report 2020.

Proposed Schedule

2 50-minute periods plus independent student work.

  • Class period one: Introduction, student resource sheet; text-based and figures-based questions.
  • Class period two: Scenario Interactive Activity: Internal Displacement Monitoring Center

Student Assessment

There are several assessment options in this module and teachers may use some or all of them.

  • Understanding the Basics:
    • Questions based on the Student Resource Sheets
  • Going Further:
    • Text case study: Net migration in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania
    • Data case study: Internal and International displacement (Focus on Africa and Asia)
    • Interactive Scenario: Spokesperson for the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre

Evidence of Learning

Students will work together to complete a group activity that focuses on the movement of people around the world. The activity includes an oral presentation and a written reflection on the project. Details of the Evidence of Learning assessment is found in the ‘Scenario’ section of the module.

Starter Activity

Ask students to brainstorm about reasons why people might leave their country. Ask them to think about reasons that might be voluntary and reasons that might be forced. Ask them to explain the difference between the two. Ask them to think about how conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza might influence migration, both as a driver and an obstacle.

Interactive Visualization

Explore the new interactive tile map on the World Migration Report website. Ask your students to locate their own countries and, using the predictive indicators provided, discuss the likelihood of their population being more prone to migrate.