By: Starlet Taylor

Global Learning Global education is “an effort to cultivate in young people a perspective of the world which emphasizes the interconnections among cultures, species, and the planet”(NCSS, 1982, pp. 1-2). According to Merryfield, “ it develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are necessary for decision- making and effective participation in a world characterized by interconnectedness, cultural pluralism, and increasing competition for resources.”(p. 4)

Components of Global Learning There are five components to global learning. Cross Cultural Awareness Perspective Consciousness State of Planet Awareness Systems Connectedness Option for Participation

Cross Cultural Awareness Cross Cultural Awareness is the diversity of ideas of different cultures found in societies all over the world. It consists of concepts of how others may view one’s own culture due to preconceived notions.

Levels of Culturally Awareness Parochial stage-My way is the only way Ethnocentric stage-I know their way, but my way is better Synergistic stage-My Way and Their Way Participatory Third Culture stage-Our Way

Ways to manage Cultural Awareness Admit that you don’t know Suspend judgments Empathy Become comfortable with ambiguity Celebrate diversity.

Impact on Students Culturally awareness will prepare our students to become great people. It will allow the students to respect other cultures. They will become culturally diverse.

Challenges Students may be treated differently by other students because of their culture. Students may have a hard time forming friendships due to cultural differences. Learning may not occur if the teacher is not culturally aware. Students may feel depressed, neglected, and lonely.

Integration through Unit of Study Allowing students to conduct research about different countries Students performing in plays about different holidays celebrated across the world. Videos about different cultures Reading books and taking notes about different cultures. Informational papers over different cultural topics such as home life, holidays, famous leaders, foods, etc.

Integration through other disciplines All about me posters created by students Family night-parents share stories about their cultures United Nations day-students dress up in their native attire World food potluck-students bring a popular dish from their country

Culturally Awareness Resources ead_activities.html ead_activities.html cultural.aspx cultural.aspx

References. Ad/Going_Global_in_Early__Childhood_Education[1]. pdf Ad/Going_Global_in_Early__Childhood_Education[1]. pdf areness.htm areness.htm Merryfield, M.M., Jarchow, E., & Pickert, S.(Eds.) Preparing teachers to teach global perspectives. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. National Council for Social Studies(NCSS). (1982). Position Statement on education. Washington, DC: Author.