Have you ever heard about glocalization? This is a relatively new term and, despite its similarity to “globalization”, it actually proposes a new way of looking at fast global changes.
To better understand the similarities and differences between glocalization and globalization, we have prepared this article to discuss the relevance of the topic for today's world and for education.
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Globalization is a process that has been growing and updating since the maritime expansions of the end of the 15th century. Today, in just a few clicks, we have access to the most diverse information and events from all over the world. This has generated much more dynamic interaction between different cultures.
Glocalization is a relatively new concept that unites the words global and local to describe multicultural interactions between brands, people and institutions.
The main objective of glocalization is to encourage an internationalization process that still values what is traditionally local. It is about globalizing without neglecting characteristics that make each culture unique. That is, expanding horizons to a global perspective of the world, but still being aware of the importance of customs and cultural traditions of a specific location.
Based on this knowledge, glocalization is related to a sense of cultural self-awareness of each region, always considering the “global mindset” and what makes each region and each culture unique and special, such as ancestry, stories and traditions.
Thus, the preservation of what is local and traditional also becomes relevant in discussions at an international level, as glocalization aims to promote diversity and the understanding that protecting regional identity is what makes cultural expansion richer.
In education, glocalization plays an instrumental role in improving learning processes and bringing innovative methodologies to the classroom that better communicate with the profile of today's students.
We understand glocalization as a world perspective. And we apply this pillar in education, where the teaching process needs to be relevant to students and take into account their personal interests and the contemporary digital reality.
In order to guarantee a quality education that is truly glocal, schools must rethink their pedagogical proposals, as the old methods no longer have the same effect. Since the world has changed drastically in the last twenty years, education has to reinvent itself and evolve to keep up with the paradigms of today's society.
An example of this is the inclusion of new technologies in the classroom. Something that was previously frowned upon by parents and educators is now an indispensable tool for the development of students in a world that is increasingly connected virtually.
Gamification is also a phenomenon that has found its place in the classroom. The use of computer games within schools, which was once taboo, is now encouraged, as long as its use is aligned with teaching relevant skills and adds value to students. For example, teaching coding, exercising teamwork and introducing new technologies. To do so, we have renowned partners such as Árvore and Educacross.
The role of glocalization within the universe of education is to allow the academic world to enter the reality of students provided with a language and approach that is, in fact, interesting for them. Thus, natural curiosity is instigated and the necessary space for learning is created.
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Now that we have understood how glocalization has its place within education, we also have to discuss the role of the student, who is an active part of the teaching process. We can ask ourselves: what characteristics constitute the glocal student?
The interests and passions of this new generation are different from the previous ones, but what we can see is that technology is always present in their daily lives, whether for studies or leisure.
To create a bridge that allows a more meaningful and constructive relationship between educators and students of these new generations is the main challenge of contemporary education.
We had to abandon old concepts and embrace new ones, but all this happens so that we can promote a complete education that prepares students for the constant changes in the world and the job market - equally transformed by this new global paradigm.
The use of technologies within the school is here to stay, but it is also necessary to insert more dialogues and humanization within the classroom, offering understanding and meeting the needs of each student in a more personal and individualized way.
The glocal student has a profile turned to the world he knows today, but always thinking about the future. They value the local culture, are interested in the customs and traditions of their city, region and country, while at the same time seeking to be connected with other world cultures, knowing how to value them for their richness and historical importance. Thus, they develop important values, such as a sense of community and collectivity, flexibility, critical thinking and historical and socio-environmental awareness.
Promoting dialogue and valuing diversity is essential for creating a more empathetic society and for training more active and aware students and citizens.
As discussed in the previous topics, we know that glocalization requires a more active participation on the part of teachers and institutions so that new methodologies can be successfully applied.
Beyond that, this participation in the students' daily lives is also an incentive for dialogue and reflection on different topics and group discussions.
All of this is related to understanding the place that the student, as an individual, occupies in school and in the world.
Encouraging dialogue between institutions, educators, students and guardians creates a sense of community and collaboration among all, which promotes the construction and strengthening of identities - both individual and collective.
Dialogue and the exchange of experiences in the educational context are factors that help in school development and performance, as well as in social interactions, forming more emphatic, helpful and proactive students.
Now you understand why glocalization is important for education, but did you know that it is already a reality at Colégio Aurum in Jundiaí? Learn more about our pedagogical proposal by scheduling a visit to our space.