Community Colleges: Globalization in the Curriculum

Dr. Rebecca S. Lake

National-Louis UniversityCommunity College Leadership Doctoral Program

122 So. Michigan AvenueChicago, Illinois 60603

Rebecca.Lake@nl.edu 312-261-3534

Purpose and Objectives Purpose: to discuss and begin to integrate globalization

in community college curriculums

Four Learning Objectives: Objective 1. Understand a general definition of the

concept globalization Objective 2. Identify the need to integrate globalization

seamlessly in diverse curriculumsObjective 3. Begin conceptual groundwork for integration

of globalization in curricula and/or coursesObjective 4. Begin initial development of global student

learning objectives reflected in student activities for various curricula and/or courses

4 Creative Group Activities

These are :

1. for 5 minutes: create a definition of globalization

2. for 10 minutes: lay a foundation of globalization in courses/curriculums

3. for 15 minutes: list possible global topics

4. for 20 minutes: list possible student learning activities

Presentation Objective 1: Definition of Globalization

We All Know….. The world is shrinking, or as Thomas Friedman (columnist for New York Times) believes, “the world is flat.”

Travel is a perfect example of our shrinking and flattening world.

The Shrinking Globe

1500 -1840 1850 - 1930 1950s 1960s

Best average speed of horse-drawn coaches and sailing ships, 10 mph.

Steam locomotives average 65 mph. Steamships average 36 mph.

Propeller aircraft300 - 400 mph.

Jet passenger aircraft, 500 - 700 mph.

Examples

McGraw-Hill International Business 2005

Group Activity: Define Globalization?

A 5 minute writing exercise:

Take 5 minutes to write a definition of globalization for your community college and then share it with someone at your table.

What are the shared elements?

Globalization Defined:

"Globalization refers to the process whereby countries become more integrated via movements of goods, capital, labor [people], and ideas“. (David Bloom, 2002)

Whether one wants to be or not …. People of the world are inextricably linked in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events happening miles away.

(Anthony Giddens, 1990)

Global Influence is in Flux Impact of globalization is uneven at times &

uneven in places around the world… Influence Always present

Globalization Influence is “Nuanced” It is nuanced according to locality (local area,

national, world region), use of language(s), politics, economics, technology, communication & cultures.

Does not take place on a level playing field. Cross-border flows between nations are not symmetrical. Nor is every national system engaged with every other to the same extent or intensity nor at the same time.

Nations, organizations and institutions bring varying capacities and agendas to the global venue.

BUT: Can’t Stop It’s Influence

Global Changes Reflecting Globalization Rise of the “networked” society Shifting & restructuring of the world’s

economic system Political reshaping of the world …. the

restructuring & emergence of multi-faceted inter-relationships

Growing real …. but also virtual mobility Erosion of the nation-state ... “borderless” Complex cultural developments Demographic shifting & migration

Global InterconnectednessA unstoppable widening and speeding up

of world interconnectedness Compression of time and space, results an interconnectedness & interdependence reshaping social, economic & political and cultural life into a single place … “global”

Presentation Objective 2: Identify need to Integrate Globalization

No individual --- in America --- or living anywhere in the world can be said to be Free ……

if they do not understand the forces influencing & impacting their lives.

Shifting to 21st Century Thinking New, advanced form of capitalism in which

knowledge and ideas are the main source of economic growth (seems to be more important than land, labor, money, or other ‘tangible resources).

Knowledge is defined — and valued — not for what it is, but for what it can do. Today’s & tomorrow’s global marketplace requires a variety of new kinds of workers, with new & different skill sets, critical thinking abilities and problem solving aptitudes.

The Global “Knowledge Age” The meaning of Knowledge is changing. Knowledge

is no longer being thought of as ‘stuff’ that is developed (and stored) in the minds of experts, represented in books, or allocated into disciplines.

Instead, today Knowledge is thought of as being like a form of energy, as a system of integrated & collaborative networks – something that does things, or makes things happen ….….. Fueled by education.

(21st Century Thinking, 2009)

For Community College Graduates Today's graduates are likely to change jobs

& careers several times Oral & written communication skills more

important than ever Ability to critically think & problem solve are

crucial Cross-cultural communication & knowledge

increasingly important Creativity & innovation are keys to success

Pressures for Change at Community College

1. Business & Industry economic needs (global workforce preparation)

2. Expectation of practical competencies 3. Education confers global competitiveness4. Growth of proprietary education businesses 4. Increased number & demographic diversity

of students5. Students (stakeholders) now live in the Age

of Convenience (time & place important)6. Accountability & funding controls

Driving Forces Altering Community College Missions

Community Colleges are responsive to constituents and stakeholders all affected by global forces

Reflected in the following:

1. Government funding

2. Constituent (consumer) choice

3. Business & industry demands

How Are Global Changes

Reflected in Community Colleges? Reflected in institutional behaviors ……

represented by changing missions and alterations in educational priorities (instructional delivery & curriculums) and work done in the institution by all (driven by technology).

Community colleges should not be passive recipients of globalization’s influence.

A Rhetorical Question???

How do we often respond to need for change in higher education?

An Allegory: The Horse Story Common advice from knowledgeable horse trainers

includes the old adage about change ……… “When the horse dies, dismount.”

Seems simple enough. Yet in higher education, we don’t always follow that advice. Instead we often choose from an array of alternatives which include:

An array of alternatives we employ: We say things like, “This is the way

we’ve always ridden the horse!” Appoint a committee to study the horse Arrange to visit other sites where they

ride dead horses more efficiently Compare how we’re riding now with how

we rode ten or twenty years ago Complain about the state of horses these

days. (Any of these sound familiar?)

Engaging in Change byAdding Globalization to Curriculums

Everything, by nature, is constantly changing and evolving

………….(what doesn't change?)

Adding concept of globalization to courses & curriculums is needed at community colleges ……

Administrators &Faculty guide these changes!

What Does This Mean for Your Community College?

Questions looking for answers:

What does all this talk about Globalization have to do with our community college and its curriculums?

Some faculty already doing it, isn't that enough?

How does the embedding of globalization help our students?

And, how do we go about doing it anyway without re-writing all the courses?

StakeholdersServed at Your

Community College

United States

The World

No Longer Sufficient .. the 3 “Fs”

To gain an understanding of globalization use of the 3 “Fs” is no longer sufficient for higher education institutions:

1. Foods

2. Flags

3. Festivals

What is Your College’s Current Mission Statement?

Does it have some reference to:

Appreciating diversity

or

Cultural awareness ?

Words in the Mission…Does is Matter?

Words hold a great deal of power:

Diversity

Multiculturalism

Internationalization

Globalization (More encompassing)

A New Mission Statement

A new mission statement needs to be written more reflective of globalization.

Issues to ConsiderGiven: globalization is a constant In a world of ever-increasing complexity, what are

our obligations to teach “how the world works”?

How does faculty adapt or change educational paradigms to be more responsive to an increasingly interconnected world and far-reaching economic, social, political and technological changes resulting from globalization?

What should the focus include for your college? ………Implications for curricular content

Issues to Consider (con’t) Looking at demographic trends, how can your

College meet educational needs, demands & expectations of its stakeholders?

Educational challenges: anticipating the knowledge, skills, critical thinking abilities & wisdom needed for the globalized future

Goal today: to begin working on a curricular scaffold for faculty to work collaboratively in shaping the future of education at your institution.

Presentation Objective 3: Laying the Groundwork

Your College not being a passive recipient of globalization …. But is actively involved in guiding this phenomena not only transforms but is transformative to the institution

Global Studies (inclusion of globalization): not found only in a single discipline or even

multidisciplinary ……Needs to be found in all the

disciplines offered at your College

A Curricular Scaffold Assists in Making the ‘How To” Decisions

GlobalizationGlobalization in in the curriculumthe curriculum

Globalization

What is….

Guidelines

How do I….

Mission Statement

Where is it ….

Curriculum Worksheets

SLO & Activities

Building the Scaffold: Which Type? So everyone is on the same page, moving in the

same direction ….. can take 2 different routes for courses and programs :

1. An umbrella scaffold (framework) uniform for all programs or courses

2. As more of a hidden or embedded scaffold (framework) specific to each program or course

Globalization as an Umbrella

Viewed as a uniform overarching umbrella …… contains similar components found in all curriculums

Globalization Embedded in Curricula

Viewed as embedded or hidden strands ……. specific to each program or course

Group Activity: Which way to go?A 10 minute writing exercise …discipline

specific:

Take 10 minutes to list the pros and cons of each route to help you decide, which scaffold to use in your discipline:

1. an umbrella 2. more embedded

Content Management: Topics

Academic Topics Interesting, dynamic,

contextual

How to treat content personalized to reflect the discipline

Talk to other faculty already doing this for ideas & forms (work smart)

Suggested Curricular Content

Suggested 21st Century Curricular Content to assist in preparing students for the global marketplace:

State-of-the-planet attentiveness (a global awareness)

Cross-cultural awareness

Understanding of the interrelatedness of global problems, issues & concerns

Development of participatory skills

21st Century Curricular con’t

Acquisition of analytical & critical thinking skills with awareness of multiple perspectives

Financial, economic, business & entrepreneurial literacy

Civic and political literacy

Health and wellness awareness

Group Activity: Topic IdeasA 15 minute writing exercise …discipline specific:

Take 15 minutes to list global topics to include in the curriculum

To help, ask yourself these types of questions:1. what is in the news?2. what have you overheard students talking about?

3. what is current in your discipline?4. what is in pop culture, movies, music, etc.?

Significance of Curricular ChangesPossible Benefits to your College that accrue when

concepts of globalization are embedded in curriculums:

a stronger sense of institutional identity or Mission “the Globalized Community College” is nurtured

increased enrollment can occur (stress the global perspective)

significantly better rates of student retention and performance may occur (students more interested)

Global College Mission

Increase Student Enrollment

IncreaseStudent Retention

Benefits to Your College Incorporating Concept of Globalization

Community Colleges Transforming

College is Not Sitting Still College is Taking the Initiative College is Student Centered ……

OR What are you here for… if not for education of the student?

Final Presentation Objective 4: Student Learning Activities

A 20 minute writing exercise …discipline specific:

Begin the initial development of globalization student learning activities in various curricula or courses

Take 20 minutes:1. To write a few student learning outcomes 2. Come up with fun activities! 3. Faculty already doing this can help you 4. In addition…. Ask your students for activity ideas

Assessment:Exit Card for this Presentation

3 things I learned

2 things I liked

1 thing I still have a question about