Over 75% of respondents cannot identify the world´s most commonly spoken language Newswise — Bethesda, Maryland, 12 September 2012 – A recent study of 18-24 year old American high school graduates commissioned by education nonprofit World Savvy (www.worldsavvy.org) shows a desire among young people to learn more about global topics. A conspicuous lack of instruction in this area within most American schools reveals a general failure to satisfy these needs. The survey was undertaken with support from the International Baccalaureate (IB).
“In today’s inter-connected world, it’s essential that today’s students have a better grasp of the world around them as part of their life-skills set,” said Jeffrey Beard, Director-General of the International Baccalaureate. “The IB’s approach has always been distinctive as it embeds global context within each of the four programmes. The curriculum is international, develops critical thinking skills and emphasizes both cultural understanding and international-mindedness. As a result of this educational experience, IB students have an edge in being able to not only understand global issues but to get involved in their solution.”
Results of the study suggest that exposure to a global competency education in high school helps to inspire young adults to stay abreast of world events, be active in their communities, and understand the interconnectivity of global economies. The IB program, currently available in 1,691 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and more than double that number worldwide, is an internationally recognized teaching model, well-respected for its focus on global mindedness, critical thinking, and college readiness.
The survey’s findings reveal a high demand among young adults for a global education and consensus that global issues are not regularly discussed in school:• 80% of those surveyed believe that jobs are becoming increasingly international in nature• 86% agree that a solid foundation in world history and events is crucial in coming up with solutions to the problems in the world today• 79% say that it is important in today’s world to be comfortable interacting with people of different cultural backgrounds• 48% actively disagree with the statement that their 6th-12th grade education provided instruction that helps them to understand the roots of global issues that affect their lives today• 63% indicated that they did not discuss world events in their high school classes
As a result, the majority of young Americans cannot accurately answer questions related to important contemporary global issues. For example:• 78% of students do not know that Mandarin is the most commonly spoken language in the world; 45% percent thought it was English• 77% of respondents cannot correctly identify Canada as the U.S.’ largest trading partner• 72% of students surveyed cannot identify in which region Afghanistan is located The lack of global learning is in sharp contrast to the IB’s holistic approach. All four of the IB’s educational programmes emphasize international-mindedness. Instruction is trans-disciplinary using themes of global significance. The IB’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) for elementary school children requires foreign language study from age seven, while high school students can earn up to a full year of college credit for completing the rigorous IB Diploma Programme (DP). The IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC) emphasizes career readiness and local engagement with a community employer, while the Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16) encourages students to understand the connections between academic subjects and the world around them to become critical, reflective thinkers.
The data suggests a relationship between global event discussions in high school and future interests/behaviors. Those who discussed world events in their high school classes were more likely to report that they:• Regularly or often discuss news and world events with other people (+21%)• Actively seek out news and information about world events (+17%)• Vote in local and national elections (+14%)• Received a very well rounded and useful high school education (+13%)• Diversity is an asset (+9%)• Volunteered to support a cause they believe in (+8%)• Are curious about the world around them (+8%)• Believe developments abroad can have significant implications on the U.S. economy (+8%)• Believe that what happens in the U.S. affects people around the globe (+7%)
These levels of satisfaction were the findings of The Global Competency Poll conducted by Colligan Market Research between 29 June and 6 July 2012 via an online survey among 502 respondents. Respondents were between the ages of 18-24 year olds, had attended high school in the United States, and had graduated from high school or obtained a GED.
Additional study findings can be found at http://worldsavvy.org/about/why-need/world-savvy-global-competency-research-results/The full scope of study findings can be found at http://worldsavvy.org/about/why-need/world-savvy-global-competency-research-results/
About World SavvyWorld Savvy educates and engages youth in community and world affairs, to learn, work and thrive as responsible global citizens in the 21st century.
To learn more about this survey or World Savvy global education programs, contact:Editorial Contact: Dana Mortenson, World Savvy Executive DirectorEmail: [email protected]Cell Phone: 415-271-1388
About the International BaccalaureateFounded in 1968 the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit foundation, which offers four high quality and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools. For over 40 years, IB programmes have gained a reputation for their rigour and high academic standards, for preparing students for life in a globalised 21st century, and for helping to develop citizens who will create a better, more peaceful world. Currently there are more than one million IB students at nearly 3,500 schools in over 145 countries. To learn more, please visit www.ibo.org.
Contact: Robin Khan, Communications and Marketing ManagerEmail: [email protected]Direct: 301-202-3172
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