What is Global Education and why is it important?
The goals of Global Education are to become aware of educational conditions (or lack of) in developing countries worldwide and create a curriculum that is international in scope and prepares today’s youth around the world to function in a one-world environment intellectually, professionally, and humanistically. In short, global education is to help students and teachers understand the way the world works and how we as individuals and members of groups or nations participate in the world.
According to EdSteps, lessons that demonstrate Global Competence should include the knowledge, skills, and disposition to understand and act creatively and innovatively on issues of global significance (issues that are global in scope or important local issues that are faced by others in the world). Students should be asked to investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, recognize their own and others' perspectives, communicate their ideas effectively and with diverse audiences, and translate their ideas and findings into appropriate actions to improve conditions. (Issues of global significance could include environmental sustainability, population growth, economic development, global conflict and cooperation, health and human development, human rights, and cultural identity and diversity.)
Global Education emphasizes oneness. One of our most important goals as educators is to teach our students to care about the well being of others and the world. Preparing our students for the 21st century means preparing them to work in an ever-shrinking world; technology has made us neighbors with all mankind. It is our job to use that as a means to better our relationships and improve our world.
According to EdSteps, lessons that demonstrate Global Competence should include the knowledge, skills, and disposition to understand and act creatively and innovatively on issues of global significance (issues that are global in scope or important local issues that are faced by others in the world). Students should be asked to investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, recognize their own and others' perspectives, communicate their ideas effectively and with diverse audiences, and translate their ideas and findings into appropriate actions to improve conditions. (Issues of global significance could include environmental sustainability, population growth, economic development, global conflict and cooperation, health and human development, human rights, and cultural identity and diversity.)
Global Education emphasizes oneness. One of our most important goals as educators is to teach our students to care about the well being of others and the world. Preparing our students for the 21st century means preparing them to work in an ever-shrinking world; technology has made us neighbors with all mankind. It is our job to use that as a means to better our relationships and improve our world.
Purpose of this Guide
The purpose of this guide is to inspire educators. While teaching is one of the most difficult professions, it is also one of the most rewarding. It is the nature of good teachers to continue to learn, to stay current in pedagogy, and to inspire youth. I hope this is a resource educators can use for curriculum ideas, resources, and a springboard for discussion with colleagues and administration.
Resources Included in this Guide
Home: Background information on the TEA and TGC programs.
How to Use This Guide: Definition and rationale of global education as well as descriptors to the overall guide.
Digital Learning Environment Inventory: Current trends and technology used in global education and available at my
school.
Standard-based Global Education Updates: An example of how to integrate global education into core standards.
International Project-based Learning Opportunities List: List and descriptions of international project based learning
opportunities.
Local Community Resource List: List of local businesses, community-based organizations and associations, schools, and
stakeholders who share the value in global education.
Global Education Student Assessment Tools Inventory: Links and tools for assessing student work for global
competence.
Essential Question and Guiding Questions for International Travel: Questions and resources which guided inquiry,
observation, and discussions during and after international travel.
Travel Blog: A detailed, personal account of my preparation for international travel, the actual experience in Indonesia, and
post reflections and travel.
Global Education Unit: Numerous unit plans which incorporate global education, English common core standards,
common core digital resources, and 21st century skills.
Additional Resources: List of other helpful resources for educators to explore.
About Me: Brief information about the author and a means to continue the communication and learning.
How to Use This Guide: Definition and rationale of global education as well as descriptors to the overall guide.
Digital Learning Environment Inventory: Current trends and technology used in global education and available at my
school.
Standard-based Global Education Updates: An example of how to integrate global education into core standards.
International Project-based Learning Opportunities List: List and descriptions of international project based learning
opportunities.
Local Community Resource List: List of local businesses, community-based organizations and associations, schools, and
stakeholders who share the value in global education.
Global Education Student Assessment Tools Inventory: Links and tools for assessing student work for global
competence.
Essential Question and Guiding Questions for International Travel: Questions and resources which guided inquiry,
observation, and discussions during and after international travel.
Travel Blog: A detailed, personal account of my preparation for international travel, the actual experience in Indonesia, and
post reflections and travel.
Global Education Unit: Numerous unit plans which incorporate global education, English common core standards,
common core digital resources, and 21st century skills.
Additional Resources: List of other helpful resources for educators to explore.
About Me: Brief information about the author and a means to continue the communication and learning.