Implementing Critical Thinking in Cross Disciplinary Programs: a Framework for Global Literacy Instruction

Abstract

 In order to enable students to reach their full potential in increasingly complex environments, a literacy model that can adapt both to the curriculum and to the boardroom environment is becoming increasingly evident. The globalization of the Internet has driven critical thinking beyond the realm of libraries, classrooms and boardrooms. Global literacy, or internationalization, is needed now more than ever before if the complex problems of humanity are to be solved in a reasoned and rational way.  Accordingly, model programs designed to inform critical thinking by engaging the components of information literacy as a vehicle to encourage problem solving and conflict resolution in a global environment are needed.  Increasingly complex research projects that examine both domestic and international debatable research in manageable frameworks can be developed over the length of the course.  Because this model is broad, it is easily adaptable to literacies ranging from financial literacy to military literacy.  A model program for developing global literacy is presented in this paper.