Recent Trends in Global/International Education. ERIC Digest.

Overview & Synopsis

This ERIC Digest discusses recent trends in global or international education. Global linkages are increasingly visible to the general public through environmental issues, telecommunications networks, and international trade. The increasing interdependence of nations necessitates a global perspective on the part of young people as they face the 21st century. Attaining this world view may involve several approaches including the study of cultures, languages, international issues, responsible citizenship in an interdependent world, and global connections within local communities. The literature on global or international education offers strong models and substantial resources for practitioners. The following six trends reveal sources of continued growth and support for global education: (1) expanding the international components of social studies at the elementary and middle school levels rather than only at the high school level; (2) developing standards for global education; (3) developing materials, curriculum designs, and staff development programs in global education under several projects; (4) increasing attention to global perspective in teacher preparation programs; (5) attempting to promote global education through state efforts; and (6) providing computer networking resources that focus on international communications and information exchange. This report discusses essential resources, and includes a list of nine references and resources available through the ERIC system. (DK)