Globalization

What is globalization?

“Globalization can ... be define as the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa.”  (Anthony Giddens, former director of London School of Economics)

In my opinion globalization means exchange of cultures, knowledge, languages, ways of doing, behavior ... between different parts of the world. Learning how to live in other parts of the world and understand that our thinking and our behavior are not the only valid ones is very important. Everyone has some habits, a manner of speaking, a way of greeting, a way of cooking and the most interesting think is that you can be a more completed person with all of these and make the best of each to grow and improve.

You can talk about globalization as a social transformation that gives a global character to the world where we live. Is a dynamic process that in recent years has increased due to the large use of new technologies, but I think it's a process that has always existed, although to a lesser extent. 

What is already done in schools in my country?

First of all I think there is not a way to teach properly globalization because globalization is something that exists and that therefore, is taught how to behave.

I think the way to understand globalization in most Spanish and Catalan schools, at least the ones I've been able to be, is teaching students different ways of seeing things, different celebrations or different ways of behaving. It is now routine in English classes take place on Halloween or Valentine's Day, American or British traditions that are becoming more present in our culture. More and more, but, you start working on other countries cultures that do not have such a big influence in our world. It is also interesting to see how you can help the group cohesion, fact that students from different cultures can have the chance to explain the way to live in the country and thus become a site within the group. In my teaching practice I saw an international meeting at the school where the different families brought typical meals that came from the site they came from.

Another thing that happens in Catalonia is cohabiting two cultures and two languages. The school has had a very important role by making a link between the two, and seeking the best. Right now catalan students are able to speak both languages fluently independently from the language they speak at home.