My understanding of global competency is evolving and changing by the minute as I read and process the resources we are using in the TGC program. The EdUtopia article, “A Look Inside the Global Classroom,” was especially interesting as it outlined the skills that globally competent students must have to succeed in the 21st-century and beyond emphasize the use of case studies and project-based learning to explore different aspects of our world. I was impressed yet again that an appreciation of cultural differences and an ability to understand and consider multiple perspectives were listed at the top
of their most important skills. I believe that these two skills must precede and be embraced before a depth of understanding of our World and its complexities can be achieved. When I think of a child developing his or her global competency from early childhood through12th grade, I recognize that helping young children develop the cultural appreciation and multiple perspective understanding is a key building block for a well-rounded older student. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/look-inside-classroom-of-future-dana-mortenson In the article, Call to Global Citizenship Education, guest blogger William Gaudelli, impressed me with his complex understanding of global competency through the lens and our misunderstandings of time. I will actually have to re-read that section of the article many times and contemplate the fullness of its meaning as its complexities were a bit over my head. His use of Martin Luther King's quote, "All life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly...before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you've depended on more than half of the world,” reminds me that the need for global competency is nothing new. Instead, in our country especially, our education system has chosen to put its resources and focus in other directions, such as an unhealthy attachment to testing and more testing, depriving our students of the much needed and essential skills that will take them into and help them succeed in the 22nd century. I love Kings quote so much, I may have to use it at the end of all of my emails.(I collect quotes and use them often to remind me that wisdom is offered to us from those who have gone before us. All we need to do is be open to it when crosses our path.) https://www.edutopia.org/blog/look-inside-classroom-of-future-dana-mortenson The Dan Rather interview was very interesting. I am aware of how other countries, such as, Finland and Thailand, have transformed their educational systems and are doing such a wonderful job preparing their students. I recognize their dedication to global competency education, but one cannot ignore that a huge reason for their excellence is that they only accept the most highly qualified teachers. They have made great strides in changing and improving the perception of the teaching profession. Teachers are now honored for their contributions to forming the whole child and preparing students, not only academically, but in life skills and the pursuit of personal fulfillment and happiness. These school systems help students recognize their own talents and gifts and discern which career path best suits their abilities and personality. Every child is not suited for college or white collar professions. These countries embrace the artistic trades and have raised what we often referred to as blue-collar jobs to the realm of craftsmanship expertise. I am not sure how they have managed this transformation in understanding, but I applaud their efforts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtYszdSU1Yg The Department of Education's International Affairs Office article seemed a bit simplistic to me, but I recognize that it is only a small part of a website. I will take more time to explore the whole site. However, their Framework for Developing Global and Cultural Competency illustrated in the article seem to be a good starting point. Its emphasis, once again, on cultural understanding and developing skills to recognize multiple perspectives meshes well with the other viewpoints.https://sites.ed.gov/international/global-and-cultural-competency/ I am left with many questions, including: Would our educational system benefit more from one overall plan of action, or the development of a curricula that everyone can easily use in their schools and classrooms? Or is it better to allow state or local school systems to develop their own global competency curricula, taking into consideration their demographics, geographical location and diversity, etc.? I do not work in public education, but I can see how developing one plan of action for all schools might turn into a huge mess. Much to ponder. Also, how can we as Americans who have long been focused on every child going to college change our perception of the artistic and craftmanship trades?
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