Global Scholars is an international virtual exchange program for students ages 10 to 13. Working in e-classrooms with international peers representing 8-10 geographically diverse cities, students share ideas and perspectives in online discussion boards, guided by a shared curriculum about how to solve an important global problem. The 2023-24 curriculum, Nature and Our Cities, focuses on the importance of nature and today’s most pressing biodiversity issues.
Global Scholars requires a minimum of two hours of class time each week. Guided by their classroom teachers, students complete a new learning activity every week to learn about global issues and their local impact. As they complete activities with their classmates, they develop the communication skills needed to participate in the e-classroom. They share their ideas in discussion boards and learn new perspectives by reading and replying to peers’ posts. Learning activities meet the needs of diverse learners and include in-class discussions, online research, interviews with community members, and community surveys.
At the end of each unit, students create and share a digital project such as a video, website, or infographic. Digital projects allow students to apply their learning as they become active problem-solvers and build digital literacy. Students view projects from different cities to learn new ideas and perspectives and to provide feedback to their peers.
The curriculum builds toward nine student learning outcomes developed by Global Cities, Inc., which together define global competency for K-12 students. These include global learning outcomes (appreciation for diversity, cultural understanding, global knowledge, global engagement), and general learning outcomes that support global learning and growth across academic subjects (digital literacy, language communication, self-efficacy, academic engagement, critical thinking).
Global Scholars is also an international learning opportunity for teachers. All educators are required to participate in five live professional development sessions via videoconference throughout the year. These sessions include training on the content of each curriculum unit, relevant pedagogical approaches, student learning outcomes, and digital tools for student projects. Teachers receive access to an online Teachers’ Lounge with curriculum materials, additional resources, and the opportunity to collaborate with other participating educators.
Global Scholars is implemented in a variety of settings around the world, including English Language, Social Studies, Science, Technology, and Special Education classes. Educators around the world may facilitate activities in person if students are learning in the school building or via a digital platform if students are learning at home. There are many benefits of using digital platforms for Global Scholars instruction whether students are learning remotely or in person. Digital platforms can help ensure that all students can participate in discussion and collaborate with peers by contributing in real time or by adding to a conversation at their own pace. Students can demonstrate learning through multiple modalities, such as text, audio, video, or images. Digital platforms also facilitate documentation of student contributions and interactions, helping educators better assess student learning and provide targeted feedback.
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