How to Use this Guide: An Introduction
This capstone project is the result of my participation in the Teachers for Global Classrooms program. The site is only a starting point in helping all classroom teachers globalize their curriculum. Within this site, you will find globally relevant resources such as local community resources, international project based learning opportunities, digital resources, a sample unit plan, globalized standards, global assessment tools, my international travel blog, and much more.
The Need for Global Education"One can no longer make sense of everyday life unless this is set in the context of living in a global society. In particular the process of globalization is changing the face of the planet. We are now faced with a multiplicity of global linkages, far distant events and decisions impact nationally and locally. The current world order is being changed by the forces of globalization. The people of our planet become increasingly more connected." (David Hicks, UNESCO)
With our ever-changing world, educators realize that in order for our students to effectively work and live abundantly within such an interconnected, global environment our students need to understand the rest of the world and how such intertwinings relate to themselves. Students deserve the opportunity to succeed in the global marketplace of their future. Therefore, it is imperative that we seek to globalize our classrooms, centered around 21st century skills, in order to prepare these globally competent students for a successful future. What is Global Competency?
Our TGC course reiterated four themes for global competency, as explained by Mansilla and Jackson in Educating for global competence: Preparing our youth to engage the world. Mansilla and Jackson state that globally competent students are adaptable, life-long learners who must have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Investigate the World: Investigating the world is a multi-faceted process in which students identify an issue or generate a question. They then use a combination of languages, along with domestic and international sources, in order to integrate and synthesize their evidence to develop a compelling, authentic argument to their initial question. It is important to understand that your students do not search for one right answer, but instead engage themselves in their research to the extent that they are intrinsically motivated to learn and explore more. 2. Recognize Perspectives: Recognizing perspectives is essential in working toward the goal of global competence for students. Students must first be able to recognize and express their own perspectives before examining those of other cultures. Students must also understand that cultural interactions influence situations and that many times these perspectives of others have come about from the differences in technologies, knowledge attainment, issues at hand, and other phenomena, all leading to their shaped perspectives. 3. Communicate Ideas: Globally competent students can effectively communicate, verbally and non-verbally, with diverse audiences. Students also understand the impact of various languages for global business and seek to learn a second language for greater understanding. 4. Take Action: Globally competent students see themselves as being capable of making an ethical, impactful, and meaningful difference in the world, no matter how big or small. What year are you preparing your students for? |
What is Teachers for Global Classrooms?The Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (TGC) provides a year-long professional development opportunity for middle and high school teachers from the United States to become leaders in global education. (www.irex.org)
TGC Goals: TGC Fellows create a globalized classroom environment that enhances student learning by: • Empowering U.S. teachers to serve as global ambassadors with an increased knowledge of cultures, societies, and education systems to share with their schools and communities. • Developing professional skills, international connections, and collaboration that make U.S. teachers catalysts for their schools to become centers of global engagement. • Enhancing teaching in their classrooms through innovative, globally focused curricula. An amazing opportunity! Apply Today!! Visit IREX to apply. International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) 2121 K Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington DC, 20037 Phone: 202-628-8188 Fax: 202-628-8189 Email: [email protected] What is 21st Century Education?
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NOTE: This TGC Capstone Project is not an official U.S. Department of State website. The views and information presented are the grantee's own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the U.S. Department of State.