Reforming Preservice Education: An International Dimension. Executive Summary.

Overview & Synopsis

The rapid growth of international dimensions in American life creates a critical need for improvements in international education. Recognizing the key role teachers play in efforts to improve and expand our capacity as a nation to deal responsibly and effectively with these dimensions of American life, this project was designed to internationalize the Indiana University elementary teacher education program. The project goals stressed the development of a comprehensive interdisciplinary program involving required courses for elementary education majors. The courses are designed to: (1) incorporate international content through instructional models designed and tested by faculty; (2) provide cross-cultural, experiential learning involving international students, the use of community resources and university area studies expertise; and (3) emphasize critical thinking, decision making modules and cooperative learning methods. Appended to this descriptive report on the project is an outline of considerations for developing a module for an internationalized teacher education program. (JD)