Growing Global Citizens (GGC)
Karen Noble, Professional Learning Coordinator, Asia Education Foundation
-professional-learning-course_may-2022.jpeg?sfvrsn=7eae011e_0 "Growing Global Citizens (GGC) professional learning course_May 2022")
In late May, passionate change-makers of both principal and teaching classes in South Australian schools continued a journey to deepen their understanding of global citizenship and intercultural learning.
Educators completed two important phases of the year-long course through continued participation in the AEF’s Growing Global Citizens (GGC) professional learning course, commissioned and funded by the South Australian Department for Education (SA DfE).
For the original 2021 to 2022 cohort, it was time to celebrate the implementation of the diverse array of projects that supported global citizenship and intercultural understanding through their participation in the AEFs GGC course.
Many highly innovative projects were showcased by the participants in The Conservatory at Ayers House to an audience of peers, the GGC 2022 to 2023 Cohort 2 participants and SA DfE International Education Strategy (IES) leaders.
All projects showcased South Australia’s vision of “A world class public education system that empowers children and young people to study, live and work as global citizens.” And, despite this being perhaps one the most difficult times for educators, passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm won out!
-professional-learning-course_may-2022_3.jpeg?sfvrsn=9fad011e_0 "Growing Global Citizens (GGC) professional learning course_May 2022_3")
Image: Growing Global Citizens participant presents to the 2021 and 2022 cohort. Credit: Karen Noble, taken May 2022.
School projects ranged from developing sister school relationships in India, Indonesia and Japan that focused on deep and experiential learning for students. The empowerment of students through the development of curriculum and capabilities that support understanding, respect and valuing oneself and others’ cultural and linguistic differences. To the design of “global classrooms” where students from multiple nationalities solve problems and innovate in entrepreneurial development, STEM and even Space education.
Through a continuous improvement cycle many schools suggested the next steps necessary to ensure that student engagement and learning through the lens of global competency and intercultural understanding are sustained. Demonstrating recognition of the significance and importance of these concepts and capabilities in a transcultural and globally connected Australia.
The audience was inspired and motivated:
“It has provided me with such insightful opportunities and pedagogical alternatives to tap into students and build upon their moral compasses and understanding of wider cultural awareness and identity.”
“The diversity of schools and their varied contexts, and the professionalism of teachers and leaders have inspired me today. Addressing intercultural and intracultural relationships will undoubtedly lead to a greater sense of belonging and wellbeing.“
“Well done, everyone! You are all drivers of incredible change. Be patient and continue to celebrate the progress as your school’s journey evolves! Thank you for sharing your learning with us today. I really enjoyed hearing from you all! 👏 good luck to you all for the next phase of your projects!"
Image: Growing Global Citizens participants listen as colleagues present their projects. Credit: Karen Noble, taken May 2022.
As well as sharing the diverse ideas and approaches presented by the Cohort 1 schools, Cohort 2 participants completed the second GGC workshop.
Facilitated by AEFs, Karen Noble (Professional Learning Coordinator), participants focused on the practical implementation of their learning and developing their projects. Adopting an action research approach, participants began the day by sharing their vision with other schools.
These learning partners will act as critical friends throughout the program, helping schools develop beneficial, stronger local networks.
Helen Connolly, the South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People, set the scene with a powerful and thought-provoking speech that prompted continued discussion around our shared belief of the importance of global citizenship and intercultural understanding. A robust conversation about listening to our students, promoting student voice and taking action based on their voices and the need to create a more positive future for all.
After exploring the concepts of identity, transculturalism and intersectionality, participants uncovered various models for managing complex organisational change and applied these to their current environments. The workshop concluded with participants working towards creating meaningful, evidence-based goals and success criteria that respond to each school’s context and the needs of all stakeholders in the school community.
A positive day of accomplishments and we are looking forward to welcoming cohort members back in June for workshop 3 to interact with educators and leaders in Queensland at the Department of Education International Conference: Leading for Global Futures, followed by school visits in Brisbane.
Watch this space!
The 2022 Growing Global Citizens (GGC) Course in South Australia is funded by the South Australian Department for Education and implemented by the Asia Education Foundation at Asialink, The University of Melbourne.