"In addition to improving their
employment prospects, international experiences help educators develop
key skills. Laura Stachowski presented research on former participants
of the Cultural Immersions Projects,
which she directs at Indiana University. During their student teaching
placements in nearly 20 countries, former participants reported that
they developed leadership, public speaking, cross-cultural
communication, and problem-solving skills. They also felt they were more
confident in their role as teachers as a result of their international
experience. Other research
supports these findings, but colloquium participants called for more
studies on the effects of these experiences. Next year's colloquium will
focus on assessment.
Current research supports that pre-service teachers begin to develop global competency
skills when they are exposed to other cultures and provided meaningful
personal and professional experiences abroad. These skills are crucial
to educators in our classrooms. In 2008, 20% of students in American K-12 schools spoke a language other than English at home, and minorities are projected to make up 55% of the population by 2050. In the U.S., 22% of jobs were tied to international trade in 2009. Our students, however, rarely study foreign languages and know little about world affairs.
Globally competent teachers have the potential to develop their
students' worldviews, and teach them skills that will make them more
competitive in today's workforce. They are more sensitive to the needs
of diverse learners, able to teach them how to navigate an increasingly
globalized society. Carter, a former principal, noted that teachers who
can address diversity in their classrooms are in high demand. As an
administrator, he actively sought candidates with previous international
experience."
Read the full article by Caitlin Haugen at: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/global_learning/2013/06/international_experiences_benefit_pre-service_teachers.html
