Even though we are more global than we’ve ever been, kids don’t seem to know much about anything beyond their own borders these days. Somewhere in all of the education advances and legislation changes, we started to remove social studies, culture and geography from the curriculum. We do our students a great disservice by reducing the focus on these important studies in our education system.
Since it is a global economy, many people will be working with different cultures in different countries once they finish their schooling. Cultural studies need to start early and continue throughout secondary school. Some of the best literature being produced today are by foreign or foreign born writers. Literature teachers can take this opportunity to teach about the cultures the writers come from. They can pick books that are set in different lands, and take time to discuss that country and culture. Along with culture teaching, make sure geography is included. Use maps and teach students to be able to identify different countries around the world.
Many students seem ignorant to the existence of some of the most important regions and countries on earth. They have no idea where Hungary is or how to find Iran. They are unfamiliar with the African nations, and they can’t locate Israel on a map. It may not seem important to the school board, but that student will regret not having a better understanding of the world if the world becomes his workplace.
Many children are not afforded the opportunity to travel abroad. Their only overseas experiences will happen in the classroom and through the books they read. Teachers should do their best to include geography and culture studies in their curriculum regardless of what they teach. Since Algebra was created by Persian clerics, a math teacher could spend some time talking briefly about the history and culture in that region of the world. History teachers should always include some geography in their lessons. Since the world is an ever changing place, there are always opportunities to bring out a globe and discuss it.