Global education and learning about the world we live in is important for all students. This provides information about our world, which enables students to make thoughtful and knowledgeable decisions and to become active members in the global world.

I began the Global Education course at our school after years of teaching global issues in other social studies courses. I returned from a trip to India and Nepal where I had the opportunity to work at a shelter for street children. Through this connection I began a Global Education class, which learns about many local and global issues and helps support projects locally and the shelter over seas.

Once I came up with the outline for my course (see Attached), I brought it to the school board with lists of resources and had it approved. The major challenges in having this as a separate course, are finding resources and up to date non-biased information.

I believe that the students have become more aware of their world and how they treat it and one another. The school has begun a recycling program to help support the projects we are working on.

I believe that teaching global issues and giving the students a more in-depth look at the world they live in and how they can help make it better is invaluable to our education system today.

Some Resources:

“Rethinking Globalization.” Edited by Bill Bigelow and Bob Peterson. Rethinking Schools Press 1001 E. Keefe Avenue. Milwaukee WI  53212. -This is a great book with many powerful images and good readings lesson ideas.

“Global Winners.” Jan Drum, Steve Hughes, and George Otero. Intercultural Press. PO Box 700. Yarmouth Maine 04096. PH # 207-846-5168. -This book has activities for all grade levels to get students thinking about issues.

“Education for Development.” Susan Fountain/ UNICEF. Hodder and Stoughton. -This is a resource guide for teachers teaching global learning and has many activities.

“New Internationalist” Magazine. New Internationalist Publications. PO Box 819. Markham Ontario L3P 8A2.