Multiple Pathways to Global Competence - I'm In!

With recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, France, Brussels, Syria, Orlando, and the Philippines, global awareness is imperative. As educators and parents, we cannot expect our students and graduates to be globally competent if we do not adopt a global mindset ourselves. The best models of global competence come from those who facilitate learning. The appreciation of people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds is critical for attaining global proficiency. As a matter of fact, the strength of our nation depends on it. The extent to which we embrace knowledge, understanding, and problem solving from diverse cultures influences how effective we are at teaching global competence in our homes and schools. And the more we model, the easier it is for our students to appreciate and embrace diversity.

There is no single, perfect pathway to achieve global competence at home and school. It is more important to start a conversation than to obsess over doing it the “right way.” Start from where you are, but do not stop there. Consider your first steps as a work in progress and enjoy the learning curve. If you have already begun the process, please share your glows and grows with other parents and educators so that we can learn from each other. Leonard Nimoy reminds us that the more we share, the more we have. Join me in starting a “global” conversation by scanning this QR Code or going to the Padlet link (once you are in Padlet, double click on the wall to post a comment).



https://padlet.com/warren_acacia/k68jaj30iqi2  

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For your convenience, I would like to share 5 Simple Steps for Implementing Global Competence: 
1. Start small. The worst thing you can do is overwhelm yourself by doing too much. Start with one theme or universal concept and grow from there. For example, you could base your global awareness around the topic of “toxic waste” and prompt students to collect articles, pictures, artifacts, websites, and research pertaining to that topic. The sources that students collect can be used start a conversation about the global implications of toxic waste. Supportive resources:
http://thinkthriveabound.blogspot.com/p/universal-concepts.html
http://envisiongifted.com/universal-themes.html
 
2. Consider current events. We live in a dynamic world that is influenced, impacted, and informed by current events. Use these events as a launching pad for generating conversations and projects that address global awareness, controversies, challenges, and successes. Supportive resources:
http://www.timeforkids.com/
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/current-events/?_r=0
http://www.dogonews.com/
 
3. Utilize one or more of the “based” learning models. Although these models are well known and self-explanatory, they are underutilized in schools on a national level. Less than 10% of schools nationwide implement these models schoolwide. They represent best practices for applying 21st Century Skills and promoting global competence.

• Project-Based Learning
  • http://www.acaciatreelearning.com/1-pedagogy.html
  • http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning?gclid=Cj0KEQjw6am-BRCTk4WZhLfd4-oBEiQA3ydA3mLlzrFXhwE3-ntlSk6-_kWdpJerUpS9h5dZNr39khYaAgTv8P8HAQ

• Problem-Based Learning
  • http://robertkaplinsky.com/lessons/
  • http://www.studygs.net/pbl.htm

• Challenge-Based Learning
  • http://cbl.digitalpromise.org/
  • https://www.pinterest.com/maja0282/challenge-based-learning/

• Inquiry-Based Learning
  • http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/
  • http://www.edutopia.org/practice/inquiry-based-learning-teacher-guided-student-driven

• Service-Based Learning
  • https://nylc.org/service-learning/
  • http://youth.gov/youth-topics/service-learning

 
4. Build in computer-mediated technology and social media. Technology allows educators, parents, and students to quickly access information and communicate beyond the classroom. Students can use different forms of digital media and social media to address global issues. They can collaborate on projects and use technology to create presentations/websites/blogs/songs/movies that promote global mindedness. Supportive resources:
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/
https://www.graphite.org/blog/3-creative-ways-to-teach-global-awareness
http://www.culturequest.us/
 
5. Collaborate locally and/or internationally with another school, classroom, or educator. The Internet affords us the opportunity to connect with any school in the United States and around the world. Collaborating with another school/classroom/educator helps build relationships, extend networks, and enhance the spirit of global competence. Supportive resources:
https://globalvoices.org/
https://www.penpalschools.com/
https://www.iste.org/explore/articleDetail?articleid=608&category=In-the-classroom&article=
 
The best part about teaching global competence is the cost-effectiveness - it’s free! It does not cost anything to expose students to a global mindset. Knowledge is power only if it gets used. There are enough accessible resources (digital and print) and projects within our reach to start teaching global competence today. Why not equip students with every imaginable resource, skill, and knowledge base to better prepare them for competing, collaborating, and communicating in a global market? We need to collectively take charge and ensure that global competency, awareness, and readiness is a priority – not an option. 

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