Global competencies
Global citizenship is the idea that people have rights and responsibilities that come with being a citizen of the entire world, rather than a particular nation or place.
As a culture, we tend to organize ourselves into groups and communities which share common values, ideas, and identity. While this makes for easy, comfortable connections, it also tends to narrow one’s vision of the world, presupposing what is right and fair, and how things should be.
To move beyond the local, Participate Learning has developed global competencies so that educators can develop the next generation of global citizens.
Building global leaders
When teachers apply a global lens to their instructional practices, they are building global competencies in their students, thereby nurturing global leaders. Global leaders are proactive in their efforts to make the world a better place.
Global competencies
Our Global Leaders framework outlines how global leadership can be developed in the classroom when a global lens is applied to everyday instructional practices. As students engage in global learning, they develop a combination of attitudes, skills, and knowledge that demonstrate ten core competencies. These competencies empower learners to pay attention to the world, feel connected to it, and take action to make it a better place.
Learn more about the 10 global competencies below.
Global competencies:
The driving purpose behind global learning is to support young people as they become globally competent leaders. Global competencies are aligned to the Program for International Student Assessment’s (PISA) definition of global competence.
Self-awareness
Global citizens reflect on their own actions and attitudes and how those have been shaped over time. They take responsibility for their perspectives and push themselves to learn more about the world.
Valuing differences
Global citizens value diversity. They seek out multiple perspectives, understanding that they have much to learn from people who have different experiences.
Global connection
Global citizens feel a deep connection to the world. They celebrate the interconnectedness of all people and cultures and take responsibility for making the world a better place, working together for a better tomorrow.
Curiosity
Global citizens have a genuine desire to learn about and experience the world. They ask questions and seek answers. They want to know what’s happening beyond their own backyard.
Flexibility
Global citizens adapt to new situations and change course based on new information. They are comfortable with the unknown.
Communication
Global citizens can communicate with lots of different people and navigate cultural norms to make sure that everyone is understood.
Critical thinking
Global citizens look at the world with a critical eye, questioning assumptions and digging below the surface. They draw logical and fair conclusions based on evidence and can explain their thinking.
Empathy
Global citizens are able see things from other people’s perspectives. They withhold judgement and try to understand what leads people to act, feel or think certain ways.
Understanding of global issues
Global citizens know what’s going on in the world. They pursue accurate and objective information about issues that impact people all over the world.
Intercultural understanding
Global citizens understand that people around the world are different and shaped by different circumstances and cultural influences.