Preparing our students today for their world tomorrow
Experiential education broadens student perspectives and improves cross-cultural discourse.
By Kevin Yaley, Head of Francis Parker School
“… a school which, by its environment, its methods, and its opportunities, would develop the child for participation in citizenship – the world’s work.”
Francis W. Parker
From the collaboration between world leaders at the United Nations summit on climate change to Hillary Clinton’s historic visit to Myanmar, recent events on the international stage remind us on an almost daily basis of the interdependence of our world – it is truly a small world after all.
Today’s students – tomorrow’s leaders – must develop a worldview imbued with an understanding and respect for the richness and diversity of our world. As educators, we understand and embrace our responsibility to our students and their education. Our job is to prepare our students today for the world of tomorrow – students who, upon graduation from our schools, will be knowledgeable and compassionate global citizens armed with the skills and understandings essential for becoming effective global leaders and citizens.
Schools today must commit to developing innovative programs and curricula that will address the realities of our rapidly transforming global society. Our teachers must be afforded the resources and opportunities to bring the world into our classrooms through sustainable relationships with local businesses and universities, visiting faculty and lecturers, and web-based collaboration. We must also take our classrooms out to the world through meaningful, age-appropriate opportunities for experiential education, global awareness, conflict resolution, and service learning.
Global education at Francis Parker School: a golden opportunity
At Francis Parker School, we believe that understanding and appreciation of other cultures is an essential component of a 21st century education – one that teaches students to diffuse conflict, assume goodwill and create meaningful relationships in any environment, no matter how unfamiliar.
Francis Parker School offers Global Experiential Learning Opportunities for both our Middle School and Upper School students, with destinations designed to engage, challenge and invigorate young minds and stimulate creative learning beyond classroom walls and national borders. Trips vary from year to year, and may include opportunities for language immersion, academic field study, cultural exchanges and home-stays, service learning and group adventure travel. Our 2012 destinations include Columbia, Turkey, South Africa, The Philippines and Vietnam, and each itinerary is crafted to guarantee a unique travel experience that goes beyond conventional sightseeing.
As passionate educators, our mission at Francis Parker School is to promote academic excellence, develop strength of character, and foster a sense of global citizenship by providing a full spectrum of academic, social, creative, emotional and physical experiences. We believe global education programs are one of the most exciting and effective means by which to achieve this goal – and we encourage current and prospective students and their parents to contact us to learn more about these and other programs. Visit us online for more information: www.francisparker.org.
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Posted by Social Media Staff
on Nov 30, 2011. Filed under Columns, Kevin Yaley, Sponsored Columns.
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