Thoughts On Global Education
ALAN NOVEMBER-CONVERSATION PODCAST
I do agree with Alan November that we need to educate our students with a focus on preparing them well to succeed in the 21st century – which includes intrinsic motivation, better work ethic, higher level/critical thinking, self-directed learning, authentic experiences (not available in a book), real life problem solving, etc. And the emphasis IS on the use of technology to assist and empower students by enhancing collaboration and communication and preparing them for life within a global community.
In the US, schools have been faced with the challenge of educating the “diverse” student population for many years now. I like to say that United States is a mini world, representing so many cultures and backgrounds. In my opinion, US schools are leading the world in integrating diverse learners and learning styles and the instructional system has already been equipped to face the economic competitiveness Alan November emphasized. It can be strengthened further by the timely use of modern educational technology tools for collaboration and communication (Personal Learning Networks) by educators.
Also I feel that many teachers need to be more exposed to cross-cultural experiences themselves. This will enable them to help today’s learners discover a whole new world of innovative resources, thus preparing students for global responsibility through a heightened awareness of the many connections in the classrooms/communities and linkages to our global society. Accessing these resources through participation in cooperative learning activities, students are able to develop skills necessary for success in the 21st century.
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