How to Build Global Citizens through World Language Learning

Schools, curriculum designers and educational product developers recognize that to build global citizens of the future, it’s simply not enough for children to possess high-level English skills.

The reality is that children require a far more all-encompassing world language education, and now is the time to recognize the immense contributions from educators who have a desire to cultivate global citizenship in knowledge-hungry students. 

World language education revolves around instruction that provides students with a thorough grounding in a language and culture through engaging content and interactive methodology. Let’s dive in to see how world language learning has captured the attention of teachers and administrators across the nation.
 

The Lowdown on World Language Learning in the United States

Research has predicted that proficiency in more than one language will be among the most vital skills an individual can possess when applying for positions in today’s job market. 

Fast forward to 2021 and browse through any job search website. It would be hard to argue against such predictions. 

It’s safe to say that Spanish and Chinese are powerhouses when it comes to world languages. In the U.S., a staggering 54 million people are native speakers of Spanish. The broader Hispanic population is expected to increase to 111 million by 2060. Therefore, it’s tough to downplay the extent to which growing Spanish-English bilingualism in America manufactures a dazzling array of cultural and economic opportunities.

When it comes to Chinese, it’s estimated that around 400,000 students in the U.S. are studying some form of the language. While some might say that this is a low number, others would argue that the time is ripe for organizations to step in and support schools and students in learning the language while building global citizens along the way, all while providing culturally and linguistically engaging language learning programs.

World Language Learning in Schools

For students to master a world language, schools and cooperating organizations need to abide by some sturdy guiding principles.

Teachers based in countries of a target language can broadcast lessons into school classrooms via video-conference technology and solve the headaches of principals and administrators.

As we at EdCuration are all too aware, it is possible for school students to discover Spanish and Mandarin through technology which exists in the humble classroom. Connecting to teachers based in Latin America and China who provide interactive live lessons for students is a win-win situation for all parties involved. 

With the Meg language programs, children are shown around cities such as Beijing, where they can view skyscrapers and get a sense of the population density in China. Meanwhile, Meg also runs interactive virtual excursions to Colombia where students can experience the streets of Bogota from their classroom. How awe-inspiring and motivating!

There is a way to Cultivate Global Citizenship through Interactive Methodology

To build global citizens, a course curriculum and language teaching methodology must tap into the inquisitive mind of the young language learner. That being said, a learning program that is grammar-heavy from top to bottom is unlikely to turn young students into future global citizens.  

Children are explorers.

Let them take in the mountains of Bogota and the skyscrapers of Beijing.

In such a way, they internalize the subtle similarities and disparities between cultures. Amid such contextual input and cultural intrigue, students genuinely realize why they are learning a language. Live Spanish and Chinese lessons with Meg World Languages inspire more than 50,000 students a week. In the name of building global citizens of the future, let that number grow.

Learn more by viewing the on-demand recording of our recent webinar on building global citizens with Meg and EdCuration.