Global Education
"When we ask students to meaningfully apply their learning to complex issues, global competence emerges. The mobilization of learning to meet complex demands, competency bridges the gap between student learning and student action.
~
What is Global Education?
Global education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning concepts and skills necessary to function in a world that is increasingly interconnected and multicultural. The curricula based on this approach are grounded in traditional academic disciplines but are taught in the context of project-and problem-based inquiries that transcend borders. The learner examines issues from the vantage point of the individual, the local community, the nation, and the world community.
(Photo credit: Dr. Sledge Mathias took this photo while traveling with UK Educator, Katie Hunter, and her students in Edinburgh, Scotland..)
Why Global Education?
Globally competent youth:
-
investigate the world beyond their immediate environment by examining issues of local, global, and cultural significance;
-
recognize, understand, and appreciate the perspectives and world views of others;
-
communicate ideas with diverse audiences by engaging in open, appropriate, and effective interactions across cultures; and
-
take action for collective well-being and sustainable development both locally and globally.
~ from Teaching for Global Competence in a Rapidly Changing World
(Photo: Dr. Sledge Mathias' visited this school in Costa Rica and facilitated this team of students in a design competition, where they were challenged to design a park in their local community. Her team won!)
