Inclusion of Global Competence in Higher Education: Perspectives of Faculty in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Yazan Alghazo

Transcription

1 Inclusion of Global Competence in Higher Education: Perspectives of Faculty in Saudi Arabia Dr. Yazan Alghazo July, 7, 2017

2 Introduction Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University: CORE program Six Competencies of PMU - Global Competency - Conflict resolution and Management

3 Defining Global Competency a person s ability to demonstrate empathy towards others, understand current events, maintain a positive attitude, has a certain unspecified level of foreign language proficiency and ability to understand something foreign Hunter B, White GP, Godbey GC. What does it mean to be globally competent?. Journal of Studies in International education Sep 1;10(3): Lambert R. Parsing the concept of global competence. Educational exchange and global competence. 1994:11-24.

4 More definitions knowledge about and appreciation of other international cultures, appreciation of diversity, understanding complexities within the current global society, and the ability to work comfortably with people from other cultures Soria KM, Troisi J. Internationalization at Home Alternatives to Study Abroad Implications for Students Development of Global, International, and Intercultural Competencies. Journal of Studies in International Education Jul 1;18(3):

5 General components Components of Global Competency: 1. Appreciation of other cultures. 2. Ability to communicate across cultures. 3. High-level communication skills in a second language. 4. Professionalism skills within diverse work environments. Parkinson A. The rationale for developing global competence. Online Journal for Global Engineering Education. 2009;4(2):2. Lo Bianco J, Liddicoat AJ, Crozet C. Striving for the Third Place: Intercultural Competence through Language Education

6 Importance of Global Competency Parkinson A. The rationale for developing global competence. Online Journal for Global Engineering Education. 2009;4(2):2.

7 Purpose of the study To understand faculty members perceptions on the inclusion of global competency in curricula. Attempt to develop a definition of global competency within the Saudi Arabian context. (skill requirements) To identify methods for incorporating global competency into university curricula.

8 Methodology Mixed methods Survey Design 47 participants (N=47), Male (67%), female (33%) Four colleges

9 Methodology CONT Quantitative: Components of global competency (skill set required for globally competent individuals) Qualitative: Feasibility of inclusion methods for inclusion

10 Results Definition of Global competency. The ability to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Global competence is an expression of tolerance and cooperation. Linguistic abilities. Cultural awareness. Cultural sensitivity.

11 Results- Additional Skills Critical Thinking. Communication skills. Problem solving skills. Leadership skills. Negotiation skills.

12 Results Feasibility of incorporating Global Competency in university CORE curricula. 97% of faculty members agreed.. Some components are already incorporated through CORE courses, and others can be added to the curriculum

13 Results Cont Courses that emphasize global competency skills: Written Communication Oral Communication Technical and Professional Communication Writing and Research (Problem Solving) Professional Development (diversity, Conflict Management) Leadership and Teamwork Critical Thinking

14 Additional ways to incorporate Global Competency Incorporating current global issues in assignments. Simulations and role-plays Inviting international guest speakers to lectures. Diversity amongst faculty members. Study-abroad programs ( summer sessions)

15 Conclusion Faculty members believe that globally competent university graduates are more likely to succeed in their professional lives. Faculty members believe it is essential that global competency skills are incorporated into university curricula.

16 Conclusion and Recommendations It is important that university students are involved in activities that enable them to understand cultural diversity. Ways to improve students global competencies: 1. inclusion of global issues in class activities. 2. international guest speakers. 3. simulations and role plays. 4. study-abroad programs.

17 Thank you. Questions? Comments?