How do you develop global citizens in your classroom?

1 Define global citizenship

Global citizenship is not a fixed or uniform concept, but rather a dynamic and multidimensional one. It can be understood as a way of thinking and acting that recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all people and the planet, and that values diversity, human rights, and social justice. Global citizenship also implies a sense of responsibility and agency to contribute to the common good and to address global challenges. As a teacher, you can help your students develop a global citizenship mindset by clarifying what it means to you and to them, and by exploring its ethical, political, and cultural implications.

2 Align your learning outcomes

One way to incorporate global citizenship education into your curriculum is to align your learning outcomes with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that you want your students to develop. For example, you can use the UNESCO Global Citizenship Education framework, which identifies three domains of learning: cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral. Within each domain, there are specific competencies that you can adapt to your discipline and context. For instance, in the cognitive domain, you can aim to enhance your students' critical thinking, media literacy, and global awareness. In the socio-emotional domain, you can foster your students' empathy, respect, and collaboration. In the behavioral domain, you can encourage your students' participation, advocacy, and leadership.

3 Design your learning activities

Another way to integrate global citizenship education into your pedagogy is to design your learning activities in a way that promotes active and experiential learning, intercultural dialogue, and social action. For example, you can use case studies, simulations, role plays, or debates to engage your students in real-world issues and dilemmas, and to challenge their assumptions and perspectives. You can also use collaborative projects, service learning, or peer mentoring to facilitate your students' interaction and cooperation with diverse peers and communities, and to develop their intercultural communication and problem-solving skills. Moreover, you can use reflection, feedback, or portfolios to help your students articulate their learning outcomes and their personal and professional growth.

4 Assess your students' learning

A final way to incorporate global citizenship education into your curriculum is to assess your students' learning in a way that reflects your learning outcomes and activities, and that provides meaningful and constructive feedback. For example, you can use rubrics, self-assessment, or peer assessment to measure your students' progress and achievement in the different domains and competencies of global citizenship education. You can also use portfolios, presentations, or reports to showcase your students' learning products and processes, and to elicit their feedback and reflections. Furthermore, you can use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to evaluate your students' satisfaction and engagement with the course, and to identify areas for improvement.

Developing global citizens in your classroom is not only beneficial for your students, but also for yourself, your institution, and the society. By incorporating global citizenship education into your curriculum and pedagogy, you can enhance your students' academic performance, intercultural competence, and civic engagement. You can also enrich your own professional development, contribute to your institution's internationalization and quality assurance, and support the global goals of peace and sustainable development.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?