Global Education in Canadian Elementary Schools: An Exploratory Study

Overview & Synopsis

This article reports on the implementation of global education in Canadian elementary schools. Curriculum analysis and 76 interviews at school, ministry, and district levels revealed limited coordination among ministry, district and NGO efforts and little support for curriculum development and teacher training. In schools, fund-raising for international charities is often equated with global education, while other aspects of global learning are neglected. Equating global education with fundraising raises concerns for less affluent communities. We argue that more comprehensive and systematic government support for global education, and greater collaboration among ministries, NGOs, and schools is needed for Canadian children to receive an equitable, quality introduction to global citizenship. (Contains 2 figures, 3 tables and 4 notes.)