Evaluating Global Education at a Regional University: A Focus Group Research on Faculty Perspectives

Abstract

The main focus of this study is to assess students' level of global competency at a state university in the Northeast region of the United States. The three dimensions of global competency: global awareness, global citizenship and global competitiveness / cooperation are the main focus of this research. Based on a "snowball sampling method", a total of twelve faculty members who are full time professors at the university were selected and invited to participate in a focus group research to assess students' knowledge and skills in regards to global competency. The findings of this study suggest that many students do not possess sufficient information and knowledge related to the three dimensions of global competency. Faculty expressed concerns that students lack curiosity and motivation to explore global issues. The study discusses various cultural and institutional barriers that have thought to contribute to the insufficient level of global competency among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]