Research (Clark, 2004) shows that college students' attitudes reflect little interest towards global issues, the global economy, and ethnocentrism. Regardless of ethnic or academic background, these students held average knowledge of interest in other cultures and a low sense of global awareness. It is fair to assume that if college students hold these beliefs, their interest in and knowledge of global issues stems from a lack of learning at the high school level. The social studies curriculum can function as marvelous springboard for thinking, discussing, and forming long-lasting opinions and beliefs about local, national, and global issues. How can social studies educators successfully create global citizens?
Developing Student Global Awareness
Highlighted Course: ECI 524 Theory and Research in Global Learning
Course Description: An examination of theoretical frameworks for global learning and comparative studies of various national approaches to education. This course provides students with multiple lenses through which to consider how we teach and learn given the demands and opportunities present in our interconnected world.
How can I use ideas and theories about new literacies and global learning to increase student learning in the social studies?
Global citizenry is imperative for the future of our nation and world. It is necessary that America's youth become globally aware to ensure an ingrained interest and activism in the global context. Three distinct ways to help students become globally aware are (Merryfield, 2008):
Global citizenry is imperative for the future of our nation and world. It is necessary that America's youth become globally aware to ensure an ingrained interest and activism in the global context. Three distinct ways to help students become globally aware are (Merryfield, 2008):
Reflecting on Cultural Assumptions
Promoting reflection on personal assumptions and attitudes about other cultures can open dialogues for discussing and clarifying misconceptions, negative sentiments, or questions. |
Voices of Different Cultures
Incorporating the voices and scholarship of those from other cultures and nations provides for a rich and authentic learning experience, while simultaneously promoting global education. |
Making Connections as Global Citizens
Global Awareness becomes a reality when students are given authentic situations in which to use their knowledge. For example, begin correspondence with a foreign classroom. |
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Explore these books and articles that discuss issues surrounding education and global awareness:
- Clark, V. (2004). Students' global awareness and attitudes to internationalism in a world of cultural convergence. Journal of Research in International Education, 3(1), 51-70.
- Merryfield, M. (2008). Scaffolding social studies for global awareness. Social Education, 72(7), 363-366.