Cross Cultural AwarenessBy: Starlet Taylor

Global LearningGlobal education is “an effort to cultivate in

young people a perspective of the world which emphasizes the interconnections among cultures, species, and the planet”(NCSS, 1982, pp. 1-2).

According to Merryfield, “ it develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are necessary for decision-making and effective participation in a world characterized by interconnectedness, cultural pluralism, and increasing competition for resources.”(p. 4)

Components of Global Learning

There are five components to global learning.Cross Cultural AwarenessPerspective ConsciousnessState of Planet AwarenessSystems ConnectednessOption for Participation

Cross Cultural AwarenessCross Cultural Awareness is the diversity of

ideas of different cultures found in societies all over the world.

It consists of concepts of how others may view one’s own culture due to preconceived notions.

Levels of Culturally AwarenessParochial stage-My way is the only

wayEthnocentric stage-I know their

way, but my way is betterSynergistic stage-My Way and

Their WayParticipatory Third Culture stage-Our Way

Ways to manage Cultural AwarenessAdmit that you don’t knowSuspend judgmentsEmpathyBecome comfortable with ambiguityCelebrate diversity.

Impact on StudentsCulturally awareness will prepare

our students to become great people.It will allow the students to respect

other cultures.They will become culturally diverse.

ChallengesStudents may be treated differently by other

students because of their culture.Students may have a hard time forming

friendships due to cultural differences.Learning may not occur if the teacher is not

culturally aware.Students may feel depressed, neglected, and

lonely.

Integration through Unit of StudyAllowing students to conduct research about

different countriesStudents performing in plays about different

holidays celebrated across the world.Videos about different culturesReading books and taking notes about different

cultures. Informational papers over different cultural

topics such as home life, holidays, famous leaders, foods, etc.

Integration through other disciplinesAll about me posters created by studentsFamily night-parents share stories about their

culturesUnited Nations day-students dress up in their

native attireWorld food potluck-students bring a popular

dish from their country

Culturally Awareness Resourceshttp://www.kulturekids.org/fun-stuff-to-do/ga

mes/

http://www.pbs.org/kcts/preciouschildren/diversity/read_activities.html

http://www.kidactivities.net/category/diversitymulti-cultural.aspx

http://www.globalawareness.com/for-kids/

References.https://

softchalkcloud.com/lesson/files/67gUxj52Q0sAd/Going_Global_in_Early__Childhood_Education[1].pdf

http://www.culturosity.com/articles/whatisculturalawareness.htm

Merryfield, M.M., Jarchow, E., & Pickert, S.(Eds.). 1997 Preparing teachers to teach global perspectives. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

National Council for Social Studies(NCSS). (1982). Position Statement on education. Washington, DC: Author.