Becoming a global citizen through participation in the global storylines program

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the Global Storylines educational program which aims to increase primary school students' sustainability competences and their awareness of global problems. To obtain the data, we organized seven focus groups with a total of 52 students (25 girls, 27 boys) of an average age of 8.55 years, and conducted 7 interviews with 8 teachers (all women). The findings demonstrate the program's likely effect on students' improved inter- and intra-personal skills, better social climate in the classes, and students' increased sensitivity to global issues noticeable in local communities. However, the program's effect on student self-efficacy in mitigating the presented issues in real life does not seem to be supported. Further, this study analyzes the constraints perceived by the teachers in implementing the program in primary schools. The teachers found the program rather time-consuming and the topic more appropriate for older students. Finally, the study discusses the implications of these results for implementing and running the program in the future.