Introducing Multicultural/Global Education into the Schools.

Overview & Synopsis

Global education lacks a content base due to differing educational approaches. Combining the expected outcomes of liberal education, consisting of the development of effective thinking, effective communication, and value judgments, with the added dimension of the interconnectedness and complexity of the contemporary world can provide a framework for a consistent and comprehensive program. The elements that must be considered in introducing global education into the curriculum are: (1) the level of the learner; (2) the appropriate method of introducing it into the curriculum; (3) the available resources; and (4) the role of the teacher. Studies reveal that children at the age of 9 or 10 are most receptive to the introduction of other cultures and peoples. The most appropriate method of introducing global education into the curriculum is to present a global perspective through every course of study. Many resources have been developed for teaching global education, but they must be used selectively. Teacher education courses need to be internationalized in order to prepare instructors for global teaching. To make education relevant to the context of the contemporary world, global perspectives should permeate all levels of learning. Lists of available audio-visual and printed media and selected resource service centers are attached. (SM)