Teach

Why teach with an emphasis on globalization?

Our world is more inter-connected than ever.  Each nation is dependent to some degree on other nations.  The policies and events that shape the world shape each of us in many facets of our lives.  Economics, political alliances, natural disasters, and global issues such as pollution and climate change affect us not only individually, but as communities, as nations.  As Thich Nhat Hanh taught, "We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness."  By emphasizing our connections with the greater world, our students will recognize themselves in others and become agents for the world the wish to inhabit.

When teaching, keep in mind the four global competencies.  These are what students in a globalized classroom do:

  • Investigate the world
  • Examine diverse perspectives
  • Communicate ideas
  • Take action

Some resources to help teachers understand Global Education and its relevance:
  • Asia Society has fantastic professional development resources for educators.  This organization is a wonderful place to become grounded in all things related to global education.
  • The United Nations has created a set of Sustainable Development Goals that all countries can focus on to improve the lives of its citizens.  
  • World's Largest Lesson provides ideas on how to incorporate the UN SDGs into your classroom.
  • ASCD provides resources including a self-assessment and goal setting tool where you can rate yourself on their Globally Competent Learning Continuum.
  • Rubrics and outcomes for global competence can be found here.
Global Education Presentation:  reasons to incorporate global education in PUSD.
Globalized Unit Plan example.

Ways to globalize your classroom:
1.  Globalize CONTENT:  
  • modify what you teach
  • show multiple perspectives
  • address current issues
  • identify a context for your content
2.  Globalize INSTRUCTION:
  • comparative (US compared to elsewhere)
  • trans-national (ideas, groups, across borders)
  • non-US perspectives (i.e., texts written by non-Americans)
  • thematic (i.e., the UN Sustainable Development Goals)
3.  Globalize ASSESSMENT:
  • what do students create?
  • in what context?
  • how will they apply thinking?
  • how will students reflect on their development?
4.  Globalize SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT:
  • portrait of a graduate
  • school vision
  • what's in the hallways that promotes a global perspective?
5.  Globalize PROFESSIONAL LEARNING:
  • share your learning
  • offer professional development opportunities to your school / district
  • share professional development opportunities and resources 
  • create a network of global education leaders

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