What are the benefits of using experiential learning to teach global citizenship?

1 What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning is a process that engages students in direct and active participation in a meaningful activity, followed by guided reflection and feedback. It is based on the theory of learning cycles, which suggests that learners construct their own knowledge and understanding through experience, observation, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation. Experiential learning can take many forms, such as field trips, simulations, service learning, internships, or projects. The key is that students are involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating their own learning experiences, and that they connect them to broader concepts and issues.

4 What are some challenges and tips for experiential learning for global citizenship?

Experiential learning for global citizenship can also pose some challenges and require careful planning and preparation. To start, you should identify the key concepts and skills you want your students to learn, and then brainstorm possible activities to illustrate and apply them. Additionally, online resources such as the Global Dimension website can provide ideas and examples. Safety and ethicality must be taken into account, especially if the activities involve interacting with people or places outside the classroom. Necessary permissions and consents must be obtained from the participants and authorities, while respecting cultural and social norms. Adequate support and guidance should be provided to students before, during, and after the activities. This includes preparing them for the activities by explaining the purpose, expectations, and rules of conduct; monitoring their learning during the activities; and debriefing and evaluating their learning after the activities by encouraging reflection, discussion, and self-assessment.

5 How can you assess experiential learning for global citizenship?

Assessing experiential learning for global citizenship can be challenging, as it involves measuring complex and multidimensional outcomes such as attitudes, values, and behaviors. However, there are some strategies and tools that can help you assess your students' learning effectively and authentically. For example, rubrics or checklists that specify the criteria and levels of performance for the desired skills and competencies can be used. You can either use an existing rubric such as the Global Competence Matrix or create your own based on your learning objectives and standards. Also, involving students in developing and applying the rubrics will increase their ownership and awareness of their learning. Additionally, portfolios or journals that document the students' learning process and products can be used. Students can collect evidence of their learning such as photos, videos, artifacts, or reflections to organize them in a portfolio or journal. Furthermore, self-assessment or peer-assessment that allow the students to evaluate their own or each other's learning can be used with surveys, questionnaires, interviews, games, quizzes, or puzzles to test their knowledge and understanding of the concepts and issues.