Globaland XL: An explorative research on potential workable elements for stimulating global civic engagement among youth in global citizenship education

Abstract

The goal of this explorative study was to gain insight in potential workable elements and preconditions for stimulating global civic engagement among youth in global citizenship education to further develop the program theory of the Globaland XL program. Evidence-based insights from the literature were synthesized with practice-based insights derived from interviews with students (N=6), teachers (N=4) and experts (N=5) involved in global citizenship education. Six potential workable elements were synthesized in the impact theory: global knowledge, global consciousness, multiple perspectives, critical thinking, self-efficacy and active learning. Five preconditions were synthesized in the process theory: a structural approach in school, school democracy, an open pedagogical climate, connection to experiences of students and willingness to take action. A document analysis showed that global knowledge, global consciousness, and active learning were described in the Globaland XL program. Other elements were not or fragmentarily recognized in the program, a justification for the program activities was missing. It is recommended to expand the program theory with a theoretical foundation for the program activities.