Global Citizenship-What is it? & How do I teach it?

You may have come across the term Global Citizenship, but what does this actually mean, and more importantly how do we create conditions in our classrooms to create global citizens?

After talking recently with Alan November , I have come to realize that Global Citizenship is a way of thinking and behaving. It is an outlook on life, and most importantly a belief that you can make a difference in this world.

As global educators, we want to make sure that our students:

• are aware of the wider world and are prepared for their role as a world citizen
• respect and value diversity
• have an understanding of how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally, and technologically.
• strive to be participants and contributors in a world community that extends far beyond their classroom walls

I have found the following sites to be a great step in this direction:

• Epals: is the Internet’s largest global community of connected classrooms!
  This is a place where classrooms can safely connect, collaborate and learn across the globe. It is a fantastic community to be a part of!
• Kiva: is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.It is an amazing and safe way to connect your students with real people as they contribute to efforts in alleviating poverty. Students can participate for as little at $25.00.
• An Educators Toolbox- The Road to Global Citizenship: An Educator’s Toolbook helps educators move from aspiring to create global citizens to action by providing relevant exercises and teaching activities that help students to think in ways that foster global citizenship.

Related Posts:

Teaching Global Citizenship

Educating Students to Be Global Citizens

Global Citizenship: A Perspective Abroad