Global Education Conference Session:
“Rebooting the International Fair: A K-12 Student-centered approach to refreshing a tired format”
Your Name and Title:
Henry Wend, PhD, Director of Global Studies
School or Organization Name:
University School of Milwaukee
Co-Presenter Name(s):
Alison Dupee, Lower School French Teacher
Area of the World from Which You Will Present:
USA Midwest
Language in Which You Will Present:
English
Target Audience(s):
Teachers at PK-12 schools
Short Session Description (one line):How to plan and carry out a Student-Centered and Student-Driven All School Global Fair
Full Session Description (as long as you would like):
In April 2015, the students at the University School of Milwaukee held the first student run Global Expo, replacing the biennial “International Fair” that we have held here in various formats for decades. But this time, it was different.
Rather than the various parents from the school’s international community putting up booths offering ethnic food, information, and music, Upper School students--members of our Global Scholar Certification program--took on the role of developing activities, displays, and informational materials about other nations centered around the theme of immigration. What is more, these Global Scholars worked with faculty, administration, parents and students across the school to organize these activities, develop global curriculum, and coordinate the actual Global Expo itself. A steering committee of students came up with the name, the format, and worked on branding and advertising. They then staffed the Global Expo, taking on the role of global educators. In so doing, they developed global insights and empathy, and took action, becoming leaders in global education at the school.
Our session will explore the thinking behind this shift towards student-centered education, the process for making this happen, strategies to include the entire school community, and the outcomes for our students, especially in helping them to build the global competencies that are essential for our graduates. We also hope to learn much more about other models for all-school student engagement in global education.
URLs associated with this precentation: https://sites.google.com/a/ga.usmk12.org/usmglobalscholars/global-scholars-activities-2014-2015/global-expo-2015
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