Classroom+as+Wide+as+the+World

=A Classroom as Wide as the World= Vivien Stewart

It is time to re-conceptualize what global education should look like. "Education in the United States must prepare students for a world where the opportunities for success require the ability to compete and cooperate on a global scale" (p. 97). Our schools have not emphasized global knowledge and skills and as a result our students are "woefully ignorant of other world cultures, international issues, and foreign languages" (p. 97). Stewart analyzes major global trends that will effective education and how schools are addressing the needs of college readiness and global competence. Trends: Economics, Science and Technology, Demographics, Security and Citizenship, and Education Stewart defines global competence/global literacy as:
 * Summary:**
 * Knowledge of other world regions, cultures, economies, and global issues
 * Skills to communicate in languages other than English, to work in cross-cultural teams, and to assess information from different sources around the world
 * Values of respect for other cultures and the disposition to engage responsibly as an actor in the global context (p. 102)

"I would like to see a day when our students' education is not bound by the four walls of a school but can be as wide as the world" (p. 113)
 * Point to ponder:**


 * Discussion Connections:**

John weighs in that Stewart's view of global education is shared by some of the best international schools. He adds that our schools need to view our world and our work through a global perspective. His school is exploring obtaining video conferencing software and equipment in order to be able to reach out more globally in students' learning experiences (similar to Stewart's description of Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago). One drawback in implementing this approach is that teachers feel ill-prepared without strategic steps for implementation. Stewart's chapter provides some guidance in this area for specific disciplines.

"Students are the products of their education: These products will have to compete, communicate, and work with human colleagues throughout the world. They must be adequately prepared through 21st century education. Technology integration, higher order thinking and global competence will be the three most important factors in improving our country and our world." John Binnert

Our technology access has made the world a little smaller and accessible. Our world has become more globally minded and we owe it to our students to provide them education that reflects this. So, what type of professional development do you feel is required to foster a classroom as wide as the world in your written curriculum?

Stewart, V. (2010). A classroom as wide as the world. In H. H. Jacobs (Ed.), //Curriculum 21// (pp. 97-114). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Vivien Stewart speaks about the economic impact of education policy in a global economy. []

Partnership for Global Learning []