On Campus Resource Library

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S T . M A R Y S U N I V E R S I T Y C O L
L E G E A c o l l e g e o f Q u e e n s
U n i v e r s i t y B e l f a s t
The Global Dimension is now a core element in the
revised Northern Ireland Curriculum. The Global
Dimension forms an integral part of compulsory
provision. The aim is to prepare teachers to
implement this aspect of the new curriculum
effectively. St. Marys University College is
committed to providing high quality teacher
education in this area at both undergraduate and
postgraduate levels. The College has an ongoing
commitment to the Global Dimension is currently
integrated in teaching and learning aspects
throughout college life. Students graduating
from the College will therefore have an increased
awareness and competence in teaching the Global
Dimension. The College has established a team to
develop, coordinate and manage the Global
Dimension within the College under the leadership
of the director responsible for teacher
education. The Global Dimension Team, including
12 academic staff and a full time Global
Dimension Coordinator, have a range of expertise
in teaching aspects of the Global Dimension and
in researching this area. The project has been
developed in partnership with the Department for
International Development (DFID) and the centre
for Global education (Belfast).
Social Justice Interdependence
Citizenship Sustainable Development Values and
Perceptions Diversity Conflict Resolution Human
Rights
Undergraduate Courses The project aims to develop
taught programmes at undergraduate level that
promote expertise in teaching the Global
Dimension. The eight key concepts of the Global
Dimension in Education are incorporated into
different subject areas. Students have the option
to gain certification in the Global Dimension by
completing a range of assignments which involve
demonstrating their knowledge and understanding
of the global dimension and their practical
experience gained in the classroom.
Postgraduate Studies At postgraduate level the
aim is o provide students with the necessary
professional development in this area. A new
option has been developed specifically to meet
the needs of the new curriculum for Northern
Ireland. It is the aim of this option to foster
and encourage professionals in the field of
education to explore, reflect and research local
and international issues pertinent to
citizenship, personal and international
development. The modules particularly encourage
awareness and reflection upon issues of
significance to developing nations, and the
exploration of the interdependency of
communities, including nations, and individuals
in a global context. International contacts and
links between teachers, schools and developing
countries will be encouraged.
Research Research is underway to determine
attitudes, knowledge and understanding of the
eight key concepts of the global dimension with
Key stage 2, Key stage 4 and post 16 year old
pupils. In addition, focus groups of practicing
teachers examine their knowledge, practice and
attitudes of the global dimension and ask them to
rate its value within formal education A series
of case studies with both primary and post
primary schools aims to identify models of best
practice in regard to the inclusion of the global
dimension across all curriculum areas A study
with education students in the college to monitor
and evaluate the effectiveness of the project in
meeting its aims is ongoing.
On Campus Resource Library Staff and students
have access to a wide range of development
education resources for teaching and learning in
the new Global Dimension Resource Reference
Library. The library is fully equipped with
audio-visual and IT facilities for teaching and
self study. Duplicates of all the resources are
also available in the main College library for
borrowing purposes. DVDs and CD-ROMS on a wide
range of issues suitable for classroom teaching
are also available.
International Exchange The Project aims to
establish links across the globe between various
types of educational institutions to ensure that,
through the use of ICT and exchanges, students
and staff will be able to develop together across
the continents and between cultures. Partnerships
are currently being developed in Zambia, and the
University of Bethlehem.