Globalization and research: Connecting Malaysia

In the subject “Research and academic working methods” we just started having a project with students from Malaysia. Therefore we were asked to create a vision about our own classes in 25 years concerning the changes of education. The Malaysian students will do the same so that we can share our opinions and discuss them via Skype or Facebook.

My vision:

Education has always been a domain influenced by changes and trials for improvement. Whereas in the past the education was very teacher-centred and no value was attached to the students’ needs, in the recent years several approaches tried to improve these circumstances.

The relationship between teachers and students nowadays is not as hierarchic as it has been in the past. More attention is paid to the student’s needs and interests. Several studies revealed that aspects like emotions and appropriate learning environments can have huge impacts on the students’ learning processes. Therefore I think that it is very important as a teacher to be aware of students’ needs, their interests and also their social and cultural backgrounds.

Although there had been many changes in the past there will certainly be many more to come. There will be changes concerning aspects like:

·         the role of the teacher

·         learning approaches

·         use of technology

·         resources

·         the role of the students

·         teaching and learning contents

·         expected competencies and so on

My vision is that in the future the relationship between my students and me will be characterized by values like mutual respect, teamwork, mutual feedback, trust, transparency and so on.

As a teacher I want to help the students to become independent thinkers who work effectively to reach their own aims and to realize their visions. Therefore constructive feedback and reflection on both sides will be necessary.

The learning approaches will be chosen according to the children’s needs and learning types and of course the given resources in the institution.

I think that technology will play a big role in the future. Therefore students as well as teachers need to have the necessary skills. Technology shouldn’t be used just as simplification but primarily seen as possibility to get in contact with people from all over the world. Networks and platforms like Skype or Facebook can be used in English Language Teaching as well as in Science or Art to exchange knowledge with people from different countries.

I believe that resources and learning materials will change concerning to aspects of globalization. Since the influences of globalization are becoming more and more perceptible it’s not justifiable to blend them out.

Furthermore I perceive these circumstances in a positive way because students and also teachers from all over the world can learn from each other – learn to understand different attitudes and opinions and realize how and to what extent we are connected with each other.

In further consequence this can lead to a better relationship between countries and to more tolerance. 

In summary it can be said that in the future there will be many chances and also challenges which teachers will have to cope with.

My vision is that I will find a way to make use of the increasing globalization in terms of teaching tolerance and understanding of different point of views. Therefore new technology and shifts of teacher/ student roles can be taken as opportunity.