OECD GLOBAL COMPETENCE FRAMEWORK
The OECD Global Competence Framework is designed to help students
navigate the increasingly interconnected and diverse world by developing
critical skills, attitudes, and knowledge. Below is a structured resource
material on this topic that can be useful for educators, students, or
individuals interested in global education.
OECD Global Competence Framework: An Overview
1. Introduction to OECD and Global Competence
OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development): A global
organization that promotes policies to improve economic and social well-
being worldwide. One of its focuses is education, and the OECD Global
Competence Framework is part of its education strategy.
Global Competence: The ability to examine local, global, and intercultural
issues, understand and appreciate others’ perspectives, and take responsible
action toward sustainability and collective well-being.
2. Four Dimensions of Global Competence
The OECD defines global competence through four interconnected
dimensions, aimed at helping individuals understand the world and interact
respectfully with people from different cultures:
A) Examine Issues of Local, Global, and Cultural Significance
Students are expected to critically evaluate contemporary issues, such as
climate change, migration, and inequality, from both local and global
perspectives.
This dimension encourages recognizing the interconnection between local
actions and global impacts.
b) Understand and Appreciate the Perspectives and Worldviews of Others
Promotes awareness of how diverse cultural, religious, or social backgrounds
shape perspectives.
Emphasizes empathy and the importance of seeing the world through others’
eyes, fostering open-mindedness.
c) Engage in Open, Appropriate, and Effective Interactions across Cultures
Focuses on communication skills and cultural sensitivity when interacting
with people from different cultural backgrounds.
It involves managing disagreements and working effectively in diverse
teams.
d) Take Action for Collective Well-being and Sustainable Development
Encourages students to apply their knowledge and skills to improve their
communities and the world.
Highlights the importance of sustainable actions, whether they are
environmental, economic, or social in nature.
3. Importance of Global Competence
Global Interconnectedness: In an increasingly interconnected world,
understanding global issues and their local impacts is crucial for informed
citizenship.
Cultural Diversity: Respecting and valuing cultural differences is essential for
promoting peaceful coexistence in multicultural societies.
Sustainable Development: Education for sustainable development is key to
addressing pressing global challenges, such as environmental degradation
and inequality.
Empathy and Collaboration: By appreciating diverse perspectives and
working across cultures, individuals can contribute to a more peaceful, just,
and sustainable world.
4. Implementation in Education
a) Curriculum Integration
Schools are encouraged to embed global competence across various
subjects, such as social studies, science, languages, and the arts.
Topics like human rights, global governance, and environmental
sustainability can be integrated into lessons.
b) Pedagogical Approaches
Inquiry-Based Learning: Encouraging students to explore global issues
through research, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Collaborative Projects: Working in groups on projects with peers from
different backgrounds fosters team-based skills and cultural understanding.
Role-Playing and Debates: Students can engage in simulations or debates
that require them to represent different global perspectives.
c) Teacher Training and Support
Teachers need to be trained to deliver global competence education, which
includes understanding intercultural communication and sustainable
development goals.
Resources such as lesson plans, digital tools, and case studies can be
provided to assist educators in implementing global competence activities.
4. Assessment of Global Competence
The OECD introduced PISA Global Competence Assessment to measure
students’ proficiency in global competence. The assessment evaluates:
Students’ capacity to evaluate information, understand diverse perspectives,
and engage in intercultural interactions.
The assessment focuses on real-world challenges, using scenario-based
tasks that test students’ ability to respond thoughtfully to global issues.
5. Benefits of Developing Global Competence
For Students: Enhances critical thinking, cultural awareness, and
communication skills, preparing them for the global workforce.
For Society: Promotes tolerance, reduces conflict, and fosters a collaborative
approach to solving global challenges like climate change and inequality.
For Economic Development: Cultivates a globally aware workforce that can
innovate and compete in the global market.
Key Takeaways
Global competence is about navigating a multicultural, interconnected world
with empathy, understanding, and responsibility.
The OECD Global Competence Framework encourages students to explore
global issues, appreciate diverse perspectives, and take meaningful actions.
Implementation requires integration into the curriculum, pedagogical
support, and teacher training.
Assessment helps measure progress in these key areas, encouraging
educators and policymakers to support global learning objectives.
