DOHA: Introduction of globalisation as a major subject into school curriculum, international exchange programmes and developing a sense of respect for diverse culture among students were among other suggestions made by a section of world-class educational leaders to equip future generations to face the challenges of globalisation.
"Globalisation has brought in interconnectedness between individuals. There is a rapid flow of people breaking the global boundaries. Students have to develop respect and tolerance to the alien culture", said Prof B V R Chowdari, Executive Director, India Research Initiatives and GEM, National University of Singapore.
"Globalisation must be included in the curriculum from the KG classes. Cross-cultural understanding is a must for the students. More openness to the changing word is inevitable in this era of fast changing world propelled by globalisation. More cross-border partnership and with character of campuses will be more contributing to the students", said another expert Dr Christian Bode.
The eminent education experts were participating in a breakout session on "Globalisation of Education: Preparing Students for a Global Economy", held on the opening day of World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) here yesterday.
Bode, Secretary-General of German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) noted the need for students realising impacts of globalisation on the society right from their elementary level of education. Globalisation is not something that simply happened in this world. It is man-made. Like all man-made things, it has huge possibilities and equal risks. Individuals must help themselves to cope with this and come out with their best, he said.
There is a great gap in the talents of 15-year-old students across the globe. The talent of different kids in different regions varies. The quality education must be uniform enabling students from all parts of the world to be equally competitive, he said.
"Bode who stressed the need for giving students the opportunities for international exchange said: "In Germany an estimated 30 percent students are travelling. But the international figure is just two percent. Students must travel more and more. A lot of exchanges and partnerships must be there".
Vivien Stewart, Vice President of Education, Asia Society called for recruiting internationally-oriented teachers and called for developing a global curriculum. "Transform curriculum globally, emphasis on effective language, emphasis on effective language, harness technology, and encourage international travel and partnership with foreign educational institutions. A lot of exchanges and international partnerships must be there", she said.
Participating in the Question and Answers session, one of the delegates suggested taking the world to the students rather taking students to the world. "You ask students to take out international trips. How about millions of kids who are denied basic education and millions of students who cannot afford taking such international trips", asked a delegate from South Africa. Innovations in education must target the millions that are left outs in the under developed and developing nations, she said.
Prof John Tarrant, Secretary General, Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) was the moderator.
© The Peninsula 2009
