How do you design a curriculum for civic and global citizenship?

1 Align with standards and frameworks

The first step is to identify the relevant standards and frameworks that guide your curriculum design and alignment. For example, you may use the C3 Framework for Social Studies, the Global Competence Matrix, or the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile. These documents provide a common language and vision for what civic and global citizenship entail and how they can be assessed. They also help you align your curriculum with the goals and expectations of your school, district, state, or country.

2 Integrate across disciplines and contexts

The next step is to integrate civic and global citizenship across different disciplines and contexts. This means that you do not limit these competencies to a specific subject or course, but rather embed them throughout the curriculum in meaningful and authentic ways. For example, you can use project-based learning, service-learning, or inquiry-based learning to engage students in real-world issues and problems that require civic and global perspectives and actions. You can also use interdisciplinary themes, such as sustainability, human rights, or diversity, to connect different subjects and foster cross-cultural understanding.

3 Incorporate diverse perspectives and sources

Another important step is to incorporate diverse perspectives and sources into your curriculum. This means that you expose students to multiple viewpoints and experiences that reflect the complexity and diversity of the world. For example, you can use primary and secondary sources, such as texts, images, videos, podcasts, or artifacts, that represent different cultures, histories, languages, and identities. You can also invite guest speakers, experts, or partners from different communities or countries to share their insights and stories with your students.

4 Promote critical thinking and reflection

A key strategy to enhance civic and global citizenship is to promote critical thinking and reflection among your students. This means that you challenge them to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources and perspectives. You also encourage them to question their own assumptions, biases, and values, and to consider the implications and consequences of their actions. For example, you can use scaffolding questions, graphic organizers, or rubrics to guide students' thinking and reflection processes. You can also provide feedback, peer review, or self-assessment opportunities to help students improve their work and learning.

5 Foster collaboration and communication

Another essential strategy to foster civic and global citizenship is to foster collaboration and communication among your students. This means that you create opportunities for students to work together, share ideas, and exchange feedback with diverse peers. You also help them develop the skills and tools to communicate effectively and respectfully in different modes and languages. For example, you can use cooperative learning, group projects, or online platforms to facilitate collaboration and communication. You can also model and teach norms, protocols, or strategies for constructive dialogue and intercultural communication.

6 Support action and engagement

The final step is to support action and engagement among your students. This means that you empower them to apply their learning and skills to make a positive difference in their communities and the world. You also celebrate and showcase their achievements and contributions. For example, you can use action research, advocacy, or social entrepreneurship to support students' action and engagement. You can also use portfolios, exhibitions, or presentations to document and share students' work and impact.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?