Global Citizenship Terminology and Definitions

Terminology and Working Definitions

Global Learning

ACE uses “global learning” as shorthand for three related kinds of learning: global (denoting the systems and phenomena that transcend national borders), international (focusing on the nations and their relationships), and intercultural (focusing on knowledge and skills to understand and navigate cultural differences). Thus global learning is defined as: the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students acquire through a variety of experiences that enable them to understand world cultures and events, analyze global systems, appreciate cultural differences, and apply this knowledge and appreciation to their lives as citizens and workers.^{^[1]}

Global learning typically includes:

Knowledge of other world regions & cultures;
Familiarity with international and global issues;
Skills in working effectively in global or cross-cultural environments, and using information from different sources around the world;
Ability to communicate in multiple languages; and
Dispositions towards respect and concern for other cultures and peoples.

Global Learning and Student Outcomes

The purpose of articulating learning competencies is to ensure that all students at Becker College participate in global learning during their undergraduate program. A competency is an ability, skill, knowledge, or attitude that can be demonstrated, observed, or measured. These 15 outcomes are meant to be campus-wide and are appropriate for consideration in the curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular domains. Outcomes are aligned with the College’s mission, core values, general education goals, and reflect the culture of the institution. Read more.

[1] See Green, M., Hill B., and Olson, C. (2006) A Handbook for Advancing Comprehensive Internationalization: What Institutions Can Do and What Students Should Learn. A note to the reader about terminology, v.

Internationalization

(ACE): The process by which institutions foster global learning. ACE uses Knight’s definition of internationalization, as “the process of integrating an international, intercultural, or global dimension into the purpose, functions, or delivery of postsecondary education.”^{^[1]}

[1] Knight, J. (2003, fall). Updating the definition of internationalization. International Higher Education.

Global Citizen

Global citizens have acquired the knowledge, skills, and attitudes through a variety of experiences that enable them to understand world cultures, events, and global systems; appreciate cultural differences; and apply this knowledge and appreciation to their lives as citizens and workers so that they may thrive, contribute to, and lead in a global society

Global Citizenship Graduate Attribute Statement

(Graduate attributes describe a core outcome of a higher education, specifying an aspect of the institution’s contribution to society.)

Becker College graduates shall have acquired, through a variety of experiences, the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable them to understand world cultures, events, and global systems; appreciate cultural differences; and to apply this knowledge and appreciation to their lives as citizens and workers so that they may thrive, contribute to, and lead in a global society.

If you have questions about Global Citizenship, or seek additional information, please contact:

Anne Sroka
508.373.1905
508.831.7505 (fax)
anne.sroka@becker.edu