Competencies for Living in an Interdependent World. Revised.

New courses and programs are needed to prepare students for an interdependent world. Courses and programs in global education should be designed around four intellectual dimensions: (1) presenting substantive information from different cultural, ideological, historical, and gender perspectives; (2) exploring the values, attitudes, and positions that define our world views; (3) introducing skills and competencies that will prepare effective citizens; and (4) including activities that will involve students in community affairs. Students should possess specific skills and abilities such as understanding decision-making processes and understanding the costs and benefits of interdependence. Courses need to focus on developing research and problem-solving skills. The basic competencies of reading, writing, critical thinking, and computation are always essential. The processes which bring about societal growth and progress will be random and ineffective without well-designed educational programs. (SM)