EDUCATION FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

SOCIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

MEANING OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING

The meaning of the word international as given in the encyclopedia is “pertaining to relations between the nations”.

According to Walter Lewis, “International understanding is the ability to observe critically and objectively and appraise the conduct of men everywhere irrespective of the nationality or culture to which they belong”.

Oliver Goldsmith opined, "International is a feeling that the individual is not only a member of his state but also a citizen of the world”.

IMPLICATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING

The following basis concepts are to be realised for the promotion of international understanding:

Maintain interest in world affairs. Recognize and help to solve world

problems. Recognize the common humanity. Work for a fair and just world

order. Know and understand people of

other lands. Appreciate the contribution of all

people to the world. Understand the economic and the

cultural factors.

Continues…….

Combine love of one’s own country with a board social consciousness towards the problems of the world.

Respect the dignity and worth of man.

Take world as one unit. Realise that truth alone

triumphs. Believe in common

values and goals. Understand that the

victories of peace are greater than those of war.

AIMS OF EDUCATIONThe aims of education for

international understanding can be specified in the light of the objectives suggested by UNESCO.

Development of a liberal attitude, that is, eradication of regional narrowness.

Promotion of world peace. Development of the capacity for

independent decision-making. Promotion of independent critical

thinking. Development of a friendly

attitude.

Continues……

Development of the human virtues of confidence, faith, co-operation, tolerance and brotherhood, etc..,

Eradication of racial, religious, cultural and national prejudices.

Promotion of the constructive rather than destructive feelings.

Development of a sentiment favouring the welfare of the whole human race.

Developing the student’s faith in the fact of mutual inter-dependence of all the nations of the world.

So, we have to develop in students an attitude favouring international understanding and hatred for wars and violence. With this type of education, narrow nationalism will automatically disappear.

CHANGE IN CURRICULUM-SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING

Teaching of world understanding comes within the jurisdiction of social studies because it enable a person to understand himself and his human relationship.

Teaching of world history to the students can go a long way in creating world understanding.

In the word of Bertrand Russell, “The history books should carefully abstain from glorification of any one member nation at the expense of any other”.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Co-Curricular activities are also very important in propagating international goodwill.

The following Co-Curricular activities can prove to be very useful in propagating human welfare all over the globe : Debates, lectures and essays

writing competitions should be organized.

UN day, human rights day should be celebrated.

Birth centenaries of great international leaders should be celebrated.

Continues…………….

Foreigners can be invited to visit the school.

Pen-friendship with foreign friends should also be encouraged.

Day assembly in the school should be encouraged.

Exchange of teachers at international level is also suggested.

Foreign-trips are also very important.

International programs on radio and television also play a vital role in this field.

PRIMARY LEVEL:The curriculum at this level should include life

stories about great men of different nations. SECONDARY LEVEL:

At this level, the student should be taught different cultures and religious. They should also be taught the vital role of science and technology in the propagation in international understanding. UNIVERSITY LEVEL:

Special emphasis must be laid upon the various social sciences, languages, cultures and arts.

PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING AT VARIOUS

LEVELS

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