Globalization is a broad and complex concept.
It is a widely defined word with several connotations to many different people. There has been a hot debate about globalization. Some people believe globalization is a dangerous phenomenon which has changed the world in negative ways. To them, globalization has brought undesirable consequences to society, affecting its peace. On the other hand, another group of people regard globalization as a fruitful phenomenon, making the world more connected and informed than ever before. They look at it as a novel source for optimism in the world. It is clear that this group see various advantages of globalization.
In describing both views, Jan Aart Scholte states that ‘Some people have associated “globalization” with progress, prosperity and peace. For others, however, the word has conjured up deprivation, disaster and doom.’
Scholte is Professorial Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Globalization and Regionalization.
Having said so, it is obvious that the impact of globalization has been both positive and negative in the sector of education.
Listed below are some points that highlight the positive and negative impacts globalization in education has led to.
– Globalization has radically transformed the world in every aspect. But it has especially transformed the world economy which has become increasingly inter-connected and inter-dependent. But it also made the world economy increasingly competitive and more knowledge based, especially in the developed western countries
– Global education interconnects methods of teaching from worldwide systems to encourage the international development of environmental sustainability, as well as contribution toward fortifying global industries. These educational initiatives prioritize global access to school from the primary to the university levels, instigating learning experiences that prepare students for multinational leadership roles.
– As education serves as foundational to global stability, the development of multicultural awareness from an early age may integrate ideologies sourced from various societies in order to arrive at well-balanced conclusions regarding issues that surround the world as a whole. Globalization and education then come to affect one another through mutual goals of preparing young people for successful futures during which their nations will grow increasingly connected.
– With globalization some of the challenges for knowledge, education and learning will provide today’s learners the ability to be more familiar and comfortable with abstract concepts and uncertain situations.
– Information society and global economy requires a holistic understanding of systems thinking, including the world system and business eco-system. Globalization uses a holistic approach to the problems. The interdisciplinary research approaches are seen as critical to achieving a more comprehensive understanding the complex reality currently facing the world system.
– It enhances the student’s ability to manipulate symbols. Highly productive employment in today’s economy will require the learner to constantly manipulate symbols, such as political, legal and business terms, and digital money.
– Globalization enhances the student’s ability to acquire and utilize knowledge. Globalization enhances the ability of learners to access, assess, adopt, and apply knowledge, to think independently to exercise appropriate judgment and to collaborate with others to make sense of new situations.
– Globalization produces an increased quantity of scientifically and technically trained persons. The emerging economy is based on knowledge as a key factor of production and the industries demand the employees remain highly trained in science and technology.
– It encourages students to work in teams. To be able to work closely in teams is the need for employees. Working in teams requires students to develop skills in-group dynamics, compromise, debate, persuasion, organization, and leadership and management skills.
– Globalization breaks the boundaries of space and time. Using advanced information and communications technologies, a new system of knowledge, education and learning should apply a wide range of synchronous and asynchronous activities that aid teacher and student in breaking boundaries of space and time.
– Globalization meets the knowledge, education and learning challenges and opportunities of the Information Age. Knowledge based businesses often complain that graduates lack the capacity to learn new skills and assimilate new knowledge. Globalization makes it easier for businesses.
– Globalization creates and supports information technologists, policy makers, and practitioners for the purpose of rethinking education and supports mechanisms for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the use of educational technologies.
– Globalization encourages explorations, experimentation to push the frontiers of the potential of information technologies and communications for more effective learning.
– Global sharing of knowledge, skills, and intellectual assets that are necessary to multiple developments at different levels.
– Mutual support, supplement and benefit to produce synergy for various developments of countries, communities and individuals.
– Creating values and enhancing efficiency through the above global sharing and mutual support to serving local needs and growth.
– Promoting international understanding, collaboration, harmony, and acceptance to cultural diversity across countries and regions.
– Facilitating communications, interactions, and encouraging multi-cultural contributions at different levels among countries.
– The potential fallback of globalization in education can be the increased technological gaps and digital divides between advanced countries and less developed countries.
– Globalization in education may end up creating more legitimate opportunities for a few advanced countries for a new form of colonization of developing countries.
What’s your take on globalization in education?
References:
Globalization Affect Education
A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF GLOBALIZATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON EDUCATION
Globalization And Education: Challenges And Opportunities by Sadegh Bakhtiari
