Connecting Globally through Inquiry

As we begin to discuss the "new" literacies we hear the term "global literacy." What exactly does global literacy mean? What does it look like in your classroom?

Here is a video by Heidi Hayes Jacobs to help give basic understanding of the three literacies, specifically highlighting to term "global literacy" and presenting ideas for where to go when trying to connect to global projects that will tie into your curriculum.

According to Heidi Hayes Jacobs, "a globally literate student has the competencies to:
Investigate the World, Recognize Perspective, Communicate Ideas, Take Action
Make the commitment to transformation" (Jacobs, "Activating Digital-Media-Global Literacies and Learning").

When thinking about inquiry and these competencies that make up a globally literate student, what can you do in your classroom? Below I have highlighted some ideas, tools and resources that could be combined to help address global literacy in your classroom.

The Global Goals for Sustainable Development Infographic is a great platform for inquiry.

Students could choose one topic on this poster and answer any variety of inquiry questions that is created with your curriculum in mind.

Some examples might include:

• Which global issue is more important to the world's sustainability?

• Choose one goal from the infographic. Is there enough being done around the world to meet this goal?

• Choose one goal from the infographic. How will you make a difference in helping to meet that goal? For the younger grades you could propose the following EQ: "How can your community help to meet this goal?

Curriculum 21 Global Hub

This a great resource for connecting with global projects. Find various posts on topics that match your curriculum to a particular global project. This is a great resource for all grade levels.

Newspaper Map

Newspaper Map

Newspaper Map is a website that allows users to read today's newspapers from around the world in any language. This is a great way to see the rest of the world's perspective on world and even national issues. What does the rest of the world think about who elect into office?, What do they think about global warming?, etc"





100 People Project


The 100 people organization aims to answer this question:"If the world were 100 people, what would it look like?" This organization takes complex global issues, such as water, education, food, transportation, economy, health, war, shelter, waste, etc. and tries to simplify and humanize the issues by looking at the world as a community of 100 people. The videos that are shared on this site are both powerful and impactful. They would be great platforms for discussion on these global issues or for personal inquiries at any grade level.




Possible Essential Questions:

• EQ: What can I do to help with "x" global issue?
• EQ: What can we do as a class to help with "x" global issue?
• EQ: How would your life be different if you didn't have "food/water/education/shelter/transportation, etc.?"
• EQ: How can you be a leader for "x"?

Jacobs, Heidi Hayes. "Activating Digital-Media-Global Literacies and Learning." Independent School Magazine. National Association of Independent Schools, 2014. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. <http://www.nais.org/Magazines-Newsletters/ISMagazine/Pages/Activating.aspx>.