Contextualizing the C3 Framework: Using IDM Modules to Support Global Education

Globalization has changed the purposes and processes of education. The prolific historian, Dr. Peter Stearns notes, “A more global framework creates new perspectives, and some fresh challenges, making American history a livelier experience and, of course, linking it to other history courses in a less fragmented way. Ultimately, I would suggest, a global approach to American history lets us deal with three key, and difficult, questions – important ones, but tough ones as well.”

In response to the demands of an increasingly complex, nuanced, and connected world, schools in the United States offer a variety of global experiences for students. Currently, the College Board, IBO, the Common Core State Standards, and NCSS themes all share this call to infuse global perspectives into contemporary education. Moreover, organizations like the Asia Society, VIF, and World Savvy have identified frameworks and credentials addressing global competency for students and teachers. One way these competencies can be met is to globalize the teaching and learning of U.S. History.

These models seek to develop students’ global competencies. However, there is a need for resources, instructional approaches, and assessment types dedicated to placing U.S. History in a Global Context instead of teaching it in isolation. The inquiry designs created by New York Teachers meet that need. I have added select C3 inquires among the resources identified in five modules dedicated to teaching US History in a Global Context. This list will continue to develop as C3 inquiries are developed and added to the various hubs nationwide. The current crosswalk is provided below:

US In a Global Context Module C3 Inquiries
Interwar U.S. Foreign Policy: The Myth of U.S. Isolationism 1920-1940
Beyond a Bipolar Cold War: Teaching Global Geo-Politics 1945-1973
The U.S. Civil Rights Era in Global Context
Multi-National Companies and International Organizations in US History
Situating the U.S. in Globalization Paradigms: 1980-Present

For an overview of the resource, watch this screencast:The U.S. History in a Global Context project is a dynamic resource that supports teachers’ move toward this broader contextualization. The resources we have assembled are designed to inspire teacher creativity, develop lessons, modify instruction, and bolster understanding of the “How” and “Why” of globalizing U.S. History .
Additionally, we hope that the project develops your advocacy for this approach to teaching U.S. History. Ultimately, by using this “global turn” you will better prepare your students to succeed in the future.

http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cDeVfZ16OF

Resource Website is here:
http://globalushistory.edublogs.org/