Overview: A timely call for global learning within civic education
As higher education confronts rising polarization and an increasingly interconnected world, universities are called to prepare students not just for careers, but for responsible citizenship. The International Education Week webinar, produced in partnership with CFR Education and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), centers on Global Learning as a Pathway to Civic Education. The session aims to translate global affairs literacy into practical teaching strategies that empower students to engage across differences and lead with empathy in diverse communities.
What is global learning, and why now?
Global learning is more than studying world geography or foreign languages; it is a pedagogy and a mindset that helps students analyze global interdependence, cultural perspectives, and soft power dynamics. In an era of rapid information flow and interconnected economies, students who understand global issues are better equipped to participate in civic life, advocate for inclusive policies, and collaborate across cultural boundaries. The webinar highlights how this approach can be embedded across curricula and co-curricular programs to strengthen democratic classrooms and campuses.
Panelists and leadership: Insights from respected leaders
Moderator Dr. Timothy Eatman of Rutgers University – Newark guides a discussion featuring two leading voices in global education and public policy. Charles Hopkins, Managing Director of Teaching & Learning at the Council on Foreign Relations, brings decades of experience in global education strategy and the integration of international perspectives into classroom practice. Dr. Steve Elliot-Gower, Associate Professor of Political Science at Georgia College and State University, offers a scholar-practitioner lens on how political science curricula can illuminate global issues while centering civic engagement. Together, they illuminate concrete methods to weave global learning into everyday teaching and campus life.
Actionable strategies for educators
The session translates theory into practice, sharing actionable steps that faculty and administrators can implement right away. Key strategies include:
- Curricular integration: Embedding global issues, case studies, and comparative analyses into core courses to illuminate how local decisions are shaped by global forces.
- Co-curricular opportunities: Designing simulations, service-learning projects, and community exchanges that connect students with international partners and local communities.
- Assessment and reflection: Using rubrics and reflective practices to measure growth in global literacy, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.
- Inclusive pedagogy: Creating classroom environments that value diverse perspectives and encourage civil discourse across differences.
Why this matters for campuses and communities
Global learning strengthens civic education by fostering skills such as media literacy, argumentation with evidence, and collaboration across divides. When students understand how international events affect their local contexts, they become more engaged citizens who can contribute to democratic processes, reduce misinformation, and advocate for policies that reflect shared human rights and responsibilities. For universities, this approach supports a more inclusive campus climate and prepares graduates to lead in a diverse, interconnected society.
What attendees will leave with
Participants will depart with practical tools to:
- Embed global learning into existing programs without duplicating effort
- Develop partnerships with international and domestic organizations to enrich curricula
- Create assessment plans that demonstrate growth in global affairs literacy and civic engagement
- Foster inclusive classrooms that welcome diverse voices and perspectives
Closing reflection: Building bridges through education
In a world shaped by interdependence, higher education has a crucial role in cultivating informed, responsive citizens. The International Education Week webinar offers a roadmap for turning global awareness into civic leadership, equipping students to navigate differences with curiosity, respect, and purpose. By learning from leading educators and policy experts, campuses can foster safer, more inclusive environments where constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving prevail.
