Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Education

Program

Education

Supervisor

Dr. Marianne Larsen

Abstract

This case study in Southwestern Ontario, Canada explores 22 grade seven students' perceptions about global citizenship, their stance as global citizens and the sources that students draw upon for global learning. Using the Global Citizenship framework and existing theories in the field, this exploratory case study addresses the lack of empirical enquiry in the literature, revealing the roles of schools, the media/social media and the family in shaping emerging global citizens. This study provides evidence that students relate being Canadian to being global citizens. Their global learning mainly happens outside of school. The majority of participants reflect the passive form of citizenship, and some show potential for active and analytical global citizenship. Global Citizenship Education (GCE) is not sufficiently operationalized for elementary students, and the practices associated with creating global citizens are limited in schools. To create opportunity for GCE to foster global citizens, schools should adopt analytical approaches in knowledge acquisition and incorporate global citizenship concepts in educational programs.

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