Global Education

Global education refers to teaching about interconnectedness - how countries across the world have common economic, political, cultural, environmental and societal ties. These connections influence people locally as well, with elections, the media, disa sters, pollution, job markets, export/import opportunities, and wars.

There are many approaches to help students gain a global perspective, like starting pen pal programs with other countries or areas of the U.S., reading authors from other countries, visiting special art exhibits or attending other local cultural events , getting people who have been abroad recently to share their experiences, or writing to Embassies for information (many Embassies will send free documents, pictures, and posters).

Kathy von Ende, a world geography teacher in Kansas, has used international guest speakers to help her students go beyond the facts of countries they study. For example, during a unit on the diverse continent of Africa, she invited four Africans from d ifferent parts to talk about their backgrounds. Prior to the guests' arrival, she had students learn about the country and prepare questions. Guests often use activities to interact with the students, such as writing names in another language or teaching different social customs.

Kathy says, "My students really learn to appreciate different cultures. You just can't get that from the news, or reading, or discussing. In this way, the guests enrich the curriculum for the students." Her students are also learning how similar people are around the world.

Kathy von Ende, Central Junior High School, 1637 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS 66044

This document was last updated 6/29/97 by Chandra Hawley.
Copyright1996 Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth r for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth ">

This document was last updated 6/24/97 by Chandra Hawley.
Copyright1996 Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth ing students that what they do in school affects their lives and their future jobs."

In this issue of Teacher Talk, we highlight examples of how schools are already breaking new ground and creating learning experiences which help develop life-long learning skills. Secondary students are:

working with the elderly and others who are ethnically or culturally different
providing service in their communities to enhance citizenship and learning goals
learning about the environmental conditions around the world
taking action on issues which are important to them
using telecommunications to link classrooms worldwide

These exciting and inspiring ideas are from teachers who are exploring the cutting edge of their profession. Their students are learning in innovative ways and responding positively. One student remarked, "This has been unlike any other learning experience." This issue shows a few of the many possibilities to break down the walls of classrooms.