AFS Intercultural Programs’ Post

CHANGE THE WORLD WITH US! The UGE International Pack, offering world-class educational materials for less than $30 USD per student per year, represents a monumental shift in educational access and quality, particularly for students in underprivileged areas. This affordable solution can drastically change students' lives in several impactful ways: Democratizing Education - For a minimal cost, the UGE International Pack provides access to high-quality educational resources that were previously only available to students in well-funded schools. This democratization of education means that students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can have equal opportunities to learn and excel, breaking down barriers that have historically divided educational systems. Enhancing Engagement and Understanding - The rich multimedia content available through the UGE International Pack can significantly increase student engagement. Interactive simulations, videos, and digital textbooks cater to different learning styles, helping students grasp complex concepts more easily and retain information longer. This dynamic way of learning can lead to better academic performance and a more profound interest in continuing education. Building Essential 21st Century Skills - In today’s digital world, proficiency in technology is as essential as traditional academic skills. By integrating digital tools into their daily learning, students develop critical digital literacy skills, including how to navigate online resources, use digital communication tools, and understand basic data management. These skills are indispensable for higher education and modern workplaces. Preparing for Higher Education and Careers - Access to a broad range of subjects and advanced content prepares students for higher education and future careers in ways previously unimaginable. Students can explore potential career paths by accessing materials related to different fields, gain preliminary insights, and develop foundational skills that are crucial for success in competitive environments. Fostering Independent Learning and Critical Thinking - With the ability to access a wealth of information and learning tools, students are encouraged to become self-directed learners. They can pursue topics that interest them beyond the standard curriculum, fostering a sense of independence and critical thinking. These qualities are vital for personal and professional success, as they encourage students to question, analyze, and innovate. Empowering Teachers and Enhancing Instruction - The UGE International Pack also benefits teachers by providing them with a vast array of teaching aids, lesson plans, and professional development tools. This support can enhance their teaching methods, making instruction more effective and responsive to the individual needs of their students. Better-equipped teachers can create more impactful learning experiences and adapt to various educational challenges. https://lnkd.in/eNZ-gN2E

As this academic year draws to a close, I am filled with immense pride reflecting on the learning journeys of our students. This year has been a profound one, marked by challenges overcome and triumphs celebrated - all underpinned by a spirit of creativity and innovation. I am delighted to share the KLB Prep Term 3 Innovation Summary video, which was created to give a powerful platform for our Year 4 and Year 5 students and shine a spotlight on the remarkable progress made throughout the year using only student-voice. All are volunteers and talk in the moment so eloquently about their learning. I am very grateful to the comms team for putting this together, especially since it was a bit of a surprise to see it published in the Kellett Dragon Magazine! This video reflects the significant growth and development achieved by our students as well as the continued evolution and success of the Innovation Programme Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong. It provides a vivid representation of the remarkable strides made by our young learners as they shaped their own learning journeys through creativity, critical thinking and a passion for positive change. 🌍 Here are the Big Questions our students had been discussing: Year 4 - How does innovation drive progress and positive change in our world? 🌱🌐 Year 5 - What is the the future of farming and food production? 🌾🍔 Year 5 - How can business balance sustainability and profitability, and what are the benefits and challenges of doing so? 💼🌳 This was the first time that I was able to hand full control of the teaching and learning over to my Year 4 colleagues following a robust collaborative planning process and mini CPD sessions. Listening to our young learners openly share their perspectives, deep knowledge, and passion for positive change, I can see the team did a marvelous job in delivering and developing an innovative approach to their humanities teaching! 👏 Overall, I am proud to have played a role in empowering these young minds, fostering their ability to think critically, problem-solve, and create solutions for a better world. Witnessing their growth and journey as captured in the innovation video has been the greatest reward of this year. As we bid farewell to this academic year, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the progress made, and the growth experienced. By continuing to embrace innovation, empower our students, and cultivate a love of learning and global citizenship, we will shape a future where our students are prepared to lead the way. Roll on next year! #CelebratingStudentInnovation #GlobalCitizenship

Just had an amazing experience attending the timely & important webinar on knowledge equity in education, #TheSouthAlsoKnows, hosted by NORRAG & GPE KIX EMAP. The discussion on knowledge equity is crucial. It's not just about what is known, but who gets to decide what counts as knowledge. This dialogue resonated deeply with our recent NORRAG blog on 'infra-data' with Hamza Sarfraz, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing local knowledge as a catalyst for transforming education. We argue that what is often labeled as '#missingdata' in education is in reality a reservoir of untapped potential, frequently overlooked due to the limitations and biases of global education metrics and data regimes, which predominantly reflect Eurocentric discourses. A huge shoutout to Moira Faul, Rasha Sharaf, Sajid Ali, Chankoulika BO, Radhika Gorur, Sarfaroz Niyozov for their invaluable insights. Your contributions have enriched the discourse and offered practical insights into tackling knowledge equity challenges. The webinar has reinforced my belief that not only does #TheSouthAlsoKnows, but integrating diverse localized voices and indigenous knowledge production from the learner communities of the Global South into mainstream education discourse is vital. This integration is the cornerstone for building a just, inclusive, and equitable education system. It underscores the value of acknowledging and leveraging a wide range of perspectives, especially those that have been historically underrepresented, to enrich our global understanding of education and its diverse needs. For more details on our thoughts about infra-data and its potential in education, check out our blog post: https://lnkd.in/eeQt5V_N #EducationForAll #KnowledgeIsPower #GlobalEducation #InclusiveEducation #NORRAG #KIXEMAP #EmpowermentThroughEducation

🎓Postgraduate education is key to transformative change. At the #SDGActionWeekend in New York we discussed how international partnerships can help to achieve the #GlobalGoals ➡️ https://t.co/aHwNIrrCwh #SDGSummit #SDG4

#ISLECISLoft in partnership with International School of Luxembourg and ECIS, the Educational Collaborative for International Schools presents “Enabling Teams to Develop Inclusive Systems to Support Student Learning” with Chad Wood. Chad is the Primary Principal at Vienna International School and the chair of the Inclusive Education Special Interest Group for ECIS. Participants will: 🟦 Have a better understanding of #mtss, inclusion and have practical takeaways for implementing an #mtss framework in an international school. 🟦 Identify barriers to the implementation process and discuss ideas for problem-solving through those barriers. 🟦 Gain ideas for building capacity of staff to enable more inclusive systems to support all learners. To register: https://lnkd.in/gNSskWUK

Going to PACIE Global in Pittsburgh this year? I'll be there! Here's a little bit about what I'll be sharing... How Big is Your World? Growing Educational Systems for Success in Ambiguity Whether our post-pandemic world is a “new normal” or the “new normal” is that there simply isn’t one, K-16 schools, systems, and institutions find themselves preparing students for futures that reside in ambiguity. Jobs that don’t yet exist, jobs that may no longer exist, and what jobs even look like all speak to the uncertainty in which we operate. Our world has undergone a transformation (World Economic Forum, 2020), but have we grown our educational practices and structures to be transformative? How do we disrupt our thinking and embrace uncertainty? How can the 4 domains of Pennsylvania’s Curriculum Framework for Global Competence provide a structure for our students and our systems to meet current and future challenges? Learn more and join me at PACIE Global 2023 here: https://lnkd.in/euh83K9C

Transition to practice (TTP) programs (such as onboarding programs, fellowships, and residencies) hold promise for improving workforce outcomes. Read more in JAAPA: https://bit.ly/3Nwc0Ik

Celebrating International Day of Education: Empowering Minds for Lasting Peace!   Hello Global Community,   Yesterday marked the sixth International Day of Education, a day to reflect on the power of learning in shaping a sustainable, peaceful world. At SPEL and through TECH DAD, we are proud to be part of the journey towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)—ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.   Our Commitment to SDG 4: Bridging Gaps, Empowering Minds: Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and at SPEL, we are committed to making quality education accessible to everyone, everywhere. Through initiatives like TECH DAD, we aim to bridge gaps and empower minds, aligning with the vision of SDG 4.   "Learning for Lasting Peace": A Theme Close to Our Hearts: This year's theme, "Learning for Lasting Peace," resonates deeply as a quarter of humanity, 2 billion people, grapple with the challenges of conflict-affected areas. Education becomes not only a gateway to knowledge but a beacon of hope, fostering understanding, tolerance, and resilience in the face of adversity.   Our Role in Fostering Peace through Education: In recognizing the significance of education in building lasting peace, we strive to play our part. By empowering individuals, especially in conflict-affected regions, with education and technological skills, we believe we contribute to creating a more harmonious and equitable world.   Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility: As we celebrate the strides made in education, let's recommit ourselves to the shared responsibility of ensuring that learning becomes a beacon of hope for every individual, regardless of their circumstances. Through collaboration, innovation, and determination, we can truly make education a force for lasting peace.   Together, Let's Empower Minds and Build a Peaceful Future!   #InternationalDayOfEducation #SDG4 #LearningForLastingPeace #TechDAD #EducationForAll  

Celebrating International Day of Education: Empowering Minds for Lasting Peace!   Hello Global Community,   Yesterday marked the sixth International Day of Education, a day to reflect on the power of learning in shaping a sustainable, peaceful world. At SPEL and through TECH DAD, we are proud to be part of the journey towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)—ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.   Our Commitment to SDG 4: Bridging Gaps, Empowering Minds: Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and at SPEL, we are committed to making quality education accessible to everyone, everywhere. Through initiatives like TECH DAD, we aim to bridge gaps and empower minds, aligning with the vision of SDG 4.   "Learning for Lasting Peace": A Theme Close to Our Hearts: This year's theme, "Learning for Lasting Peace," resonates deeply as a quarter of humanity, 2 billion people, grapple with the challenges of conflict-affected areas. Education becomes not only a gateway to knowledge but a beacon of hope, fostering understanding, tolerance, and resilience in the face of adversity.   Our Role in Fostering Peace through Education: In recognizing the significance of education in building lasting peace, we strive to play our part. By empowering individuals, especially in conflict-affected regions, with education and technological skills, we believe we contribute to creating a more harmonious and equitable world.   Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility: As we celebrate the strides made in education, let's recommit ourselves to the shared responsibility of ensuring that learning becomes a beacon of hope for every individual, regardless of their circumstances. Through collaboration, innovation, and determination, we can truly make education a force for lasting peace.   Together, Let's Empower Minds and Build a Peaceful Future!   #InternationalDayOfEducation #SDG4 #LearningForLastingPeace #TechDAD #EducationForAll  

A day to reflect on the power of Education! What we learn, how we learn, where we learn, why we learn and the impact of education on our quality of life, your thoughts?