- How would you propose a plan to prepare students in your country to work in a different cultural, technological and economical context?
Globalization has made cultural, technological and economical issues important in education. Students live in a world that is smaller with greater international interactions. Preparing these students for a new world economy is very crucial.
My plan to culturally prepare students would be to make language learning mandatory. All students must have intermediate knowledge of a second language. They must also interact with a native speaker of the second language, either through emails or Facebook. Students then have a better understanding of another culture.
Technology is a very important element in a globalized economy, and for students. My plan would have students creating and working with technology throughout their schooling. They would create website, blogs, and even application for smartphones. Students would also learn about ethics and laws regarding technology. Being tech savvy is an integral component of a globalized economy.
Lastly, the world has a new economy that is no longer labor intensive. My plan would have students creating businesses, products or services. They would learn business models, creativity and innovation, and sells; realizing that they may need to develop their own employment in the future. The future of the global economy depends on innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
- What has been done by your country in each context?
The United States is currently trying to reform public education, so as the citizenry can compete in a global market place.
The US is lacking in cultural education and understanding. It is a very diverse country, but its students have a limited understanding of the international world. One area that US students consistently fail is geography. Geography is very important in understanding history, culture, and economy. It can explain a regions agriculture, weather, and its place in a global economy. There has been a movement to reintroduce geography curriculum due to the realization that it can prepare students for the new economy. But US education reform is slow, and it may take time to reintroduce this element into the curriculum again.
Schools in the US are at the top of technological integration into the curriculum. Many schools have added new computers, labs, and smart boards, but due to the financial crisis schools have seen their technology budgets cut. Educators realize that technology plays a huge role in the 21st century’s economy. Computers are being used for group projects, online learning, and skill practice. Currently, teachers are trying to provide a clear role of computers in the classroom. Once this role is clarified, then technology will play a huge role in US classrooms.
The US education system has come to the realization that it is not preparing students for the global economy. Currently, the system is being reformed. One such reform is a new rigorous core curriculum that all states will institute. This new curriculum will hopefully better prepare students for university and working in the new global economy. It will focus on critical thinking skills, and knowledge for the real world. What impact this curriculum will have on students and their success has yet to be seen, the approach is a step in a better direction for the US economy.
McDougall, W. A. (2003). Foreign Policy Research Institute. In Why Geography Matters … But Is So Little Learned. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2012, from http://www.fpri.org/orbis/4702/mcdougall.geographymatters.html
Schwartz, K. (Nov. 2, 2012). Mind Shift. In How Will Classrooms Change With the Use of Computers?. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2012, from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/11/whats-the-best-way-of-using-computers-in-schools/
Gee, D. (Oct. 31, 2012). Wave 3. In 47 states to implement new, rigorous school standards. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2012, from http://www.wave3.com/story/19958632/47-states-to-implement-new-rigious-school-standards
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