ERIC Number: EJ869453
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0890-6459
EISSN: N/A
Fostering Global Awareness, or What I Learned on My Summer Vacation
Philion, Thomas
Teacher Education and Practice, v21 n4 p464-466 Fall 2008
With regard to enhancing teacher candidates' global awareness, teacher education currently faces two challenges: indifference and inaction. The author based this claim primarily on observation and personal experience. In a course on teaching literacy in the content areas, the author began with an overview of the state of literacy, not just in the United States, but in the world. The author explained that opportunities are out there for teacher candidates to apply their knowledge and skills in contexts beyond the local. In courses on teaching literature, the author is integrating texts with strong international connections, such as "American Born Chinese" (Yang, 2006) and "Of Beetles and Angels" (Asgedom, 2002), and leading discussions about the changing demographics of American education and the importance of reading widely. Although these steps are minor, they represent the author's new enthusiasm for global perspectives. This new enthusiasm originates from his most recent summer vacation where he attended five lectures in the Chautauqua Institution's historic outdoor amphitheater in western New York. The author shares his idea for enhancing teacher education and fostering global awareness in teacher education courses.
Descriptors: Preservice Teacher Education, Literacy Education, Vacations, Global Education, Consciousness Raising, Teacher Qualifications, Social Influences, World Problems
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A