Research Review: A Review of Research on Global Citizenship in Higher Education: Towards a Holistic Approach
The article titled "A Review of Research on Global Citizenship in Higher Education: Towards a Holistic Approach" underscores the essential role of effective educational strategies in promoting global citizenship among students. It critiques conventional teaching methods that often treat citizenship as a separate subject, advocating instead for an integrated approach that enhances students' cross-cultural competencies, ethical responsibility, and global awareness. By supporting these critical skills, higher education institutions can better equip students to address global challenges.
This research highlights the pressing need for college and university leaders to prioritize Global Citizenship Education (GCE) by embedding it throughout the curriculum. A holistic strategy should combine civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and social justice, ensuring students develop into well-rounded global citizens.
Key Actions for Senior Leaders in Higher Education:
- Integrate Global Citizenship Across All Disciplines: Develop curricula that emphasize global competencies relevant to diverse fields of study.
- Promote Intercultural Competence: Encourage opportunities like study abroad programs, international partnerships, and collaborative projects to broaden students' understanding of various cultures.
- Facilitate Service Learning and Global Engagement: Connect theoretical knowledge with practical community-based experiences that support civic responsibility and global awareness.
- Cultivate Ethical Responsibility: Involve students in discussions on pressing global issues such as sustainability, social justice, and equity, empowering them to explore their roles in driving solutions.
- Measure Impact Holistically: Implement assessments that evaluate both academic growth and students’ effectiveness as responsible global citizens.
By focusing on these strategies, higher education leaders can ensure that their institutions produce not only skilled professionals but also socially responsible and globally engaged citizens. Prioritizing global citizenship in education is vital for addressing today’s urgent challenges.
Works Cited
Leonor Gaitán-Aguilar, Joep Hofhuis, Jeroen Jansz,
A review of research on global citizenship in higher education: Towards a holistic approach,
International Journal of Intercultural Relations,
Volume 102, 2024, 102050, ISSN 0147-1767, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2024.102050.