Globalization and Education Dr Osama Al-Mahdi University of Bahrain Bahrain Teachers College TCPB 111 Week 2

Introduction Education is a core element of society, and the foundation of democratic choice. The large differences in opportunities in education between countries is one of the basic causes of global inequality. People can only contribute and benefit from globalization if they are equipped with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and values.

What is globalization? The process of transfer, adaptation, and development of values, knowledge, technology, and behavioural norms across countries and societies in different parts of the world (Cheng, 2000). Features of globalization era: internet, e communication, transportation, global village, transfer of technological, cultural and social aspects, and multi-cultural integration.

What is globalization? The UNDP (1999) describes globalization as the increasing interdependence of the people around the world on an economic, technological, cultural, as well as political level. Models of consumptions, values, and standard cultural products helped in making behaviours and attitudes more similar across the globe.

Education Is a major concern for all societies The foundation of economic, social and human development Is the heart of the change in areas of science, technology, economics, and culture Is the reason behind social change and reforms

Education in the globalization era Education is not only acquiring the traditional knowledge and tools but also acquiring new skills demanded by a knowledge society characterised by a rapid change in scientific and technological knowledge. Learning is viewed as permanent and lifelong process

Lifelong learning Is based on the following four elements: Learning to know: acquiring general knowledge, specialising in specific area, ability to learn through participating in different activities throughout life. Learning to do: the competence to deal with different people in different situations (formal – informal – study - work) and problem solving skills Learning to live together: understanding other people, manage conflicts, respect of others mutual understanding, tolerance and peace. Learning to be: to develop personal abilities, skills and personality (memory, reasoning, physical capacities, communication skills, etc)

Positive impacts of globalization Creating opportunities for sharing knowledge, technology, social values, and promoting development across cultures and countries. Global sharing of knowledge and skills Promoting international understanding and acceptance to cultural diversity Facilitating communication at different levels among countries

Negative impacts of globalization Economic, political, and cultural colonization by advanced countries on developing, under-developed countries Increasing the technological gaps between advanced and less developed countries Increasing inequalities and conflicts between different cultures Promoting dominant cultures and values

Globalization and Access to Education Education is one of key factors that can be use to convert threats into opportunities for the development of individuals and societies Unequal sharing of the new communication and IT can reinforce existing inequalities among countries Investing in education and training help people in adapting to the rapid changes in economy and enable them to benefit from IT amd increase their ability to overcome the negative impacts of globalization

Knowledge and information are the keys to social inclusion and productivity. People must have access to the knowledge and have the ability to use them in order to take advantage of the new technological environment. Examples of utilising technology in learning: distance learning, educational networking,

The UNESCO mission 2002

Challenges facing the Arab world Integrating technological knowledge and innovation in economy development Strengthening democratic political forces in the Arab world Improving the educational systems and the quality of educational outcomes Preparing new workforce capable to compete in globalize economy Facing conflicts between global identity and cultural identity (religious, ethnic, racial,

The globally learner is Empowered by the experience of global education to help make a difference in society Committed to lifelong global learning Aware of diversity commonality and interdependence Recognizes the geopolitical and economic interdependence of the world. Appreciates the impact of other cultures on American life Accepts the importance of all people Capable of working in diverse teams Understands the non-universality of culture and values, Accepts responsibility of global citizenship. (Carfagna, 2003)