Giving Compass' Take:

• This Getting Smart post explores a new test from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which aims to measure competency levels among students, teachers and schools on various soft skills with a global perspective.

• Is this a way we can train future leaders in the development community? What are some of the other benefits of making students more aware of larger issues, such as the Sustainable Development Goals?

• Here's more about teaching local students the act of global learning.

As an educator, I’ve always been wary of narrow data snapshots that purport to paint a complete picture. All that matters cannot possibly be measured. Surely we can (and should) attempt to assess student and school progress toward important indicators of success. We need to know how we’re doing — who our classrooms and schools are serving well and how instructional strategies and broader systems must shift to meet the needs of all our students. I remain mindful, however, that data tells partial and incomplete stories. Nevertheless, as we gather more information, we are able to tell more stories and ask new questions. How does this connect to global competence and collaboration?

For the first time, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s PISA Test, the well-known assessment and comparison of educational systems, will include a section on global competence. The test includes a cognitive assessment as well as a background questionnaire that asks students, teachers, and schools to self-report on four dimensions which broadly include:

  • Examination of global topics and issues (e.g. international conflicts, global health, hunger and malnutrition)
  • Empathy and perspective-taking (e.g. Before criticizing somebody, I try to imagine how I would feel if I were in their place)
  • Adaptability and positive interactions (e.g. When encountering difficult situations with other people, I can think of a way to resolve the situation)
  • Propensity and ability to take constructive action (e.g. I boycott products or companies for political, ethical, or environmental reasons)

Read the full article about student skills on global competence by Amanda Winkelsas at Getting Smart.