The Art of World Learning

From the Foreword:

“When environmental conditions force us to change, we look to new ideas and perspectives that can reshape our understanding and our actions. A revolution is needed to shift the foundations of global education in order to make it relevant to and valuable for our contemporary world. Nothing less than a reconsideration of the field’s very form and function is needed to impact every level of global education activity. Designers and practitioners of these programs, and anyone engaged in the art of global education, will be inspired by the canvas that they encounter on the following pages.

An undertaking as this is more an art than it is a science. It requires leaders like Richard Slimbach who have the sensibilities and expertise of a master artist, composing a visionary painting that inspires others to look differently at themselves, at others, and at the world. ”

Brian Whalen, Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Education - Atlantis

“If you believe in the power of education and are seriously worried about the world we’re leaving to our children, you will find renewed hope and inspiration, together with a wealth of practical guidance, on every page of The Art of World Learning. With global challenges and the needs of today’s diverse students centrally in view, Slimbach guides readers from a big, inspiring vision for globally framed liberal learning through the practical steps involved in helping students turn both their hearts and their minds to the work of co-creating a vibrant, sustainable, and ethical future. The Art of World Learning invites readers from every walk of life to rally together around a global vision for transformative learning as the ultimate public good.”

Carol Geary Schneider, President Emerita - Association of American Colleges and Universities; Consultant, Lumina Foundation

“For years Richard Slimbach has taught us how to broaden our cultural horizons and become world wise. In this important new book, he introduces us to the art of learning in the world. Slimbach takes readers on an insightful exploration of an artist’s canvas upon which world learning as an art takes place and from which global educators, as masters of the art, can design transformative community-engaged global learning. Slimbach explores fundamental design questions that should resonate with all involved in international education.”

Anthony C. Ogden, Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement - University of Wyoming

Foreword—BrianWhale
Acknowledgments
Introduction

1) The World Canvas
2) Good for the World: The Art of Intention
3) The Global Artist: Art Personified
4) A Wordly Way of Knowing: The Learning Arts
5) From Doorstep to Planet: Redrawing the "Field"
6) Balancing the Benefit: The Art of Intervention
7) Stewarding the Transformation: The Art of Becoming Different

Addendum: Questions of Consequence
Appendix A: Global Competence
Appendix B: Program Features
Appendix C: Community Health Indicators
Appendix D: Organization Standards
References
About the Author
Index

Richard Slimbach

Richard Slimbach is Coordinator of the Global Studies Program at Azusa Pacific University. He holds a Ph.D. in comparative and international education and has extensive experience living and working abroad. Slimbach founded Azusa’s Los Angeles Term and Global Learning Term programs, the latter as a self-directed, full-immersion study and service abroad program that has enabled students to conduct small-scale community research and academic service-learning projects in over 50 countries. He continues to design cross-cultural programs aimed at linking learners from the global North with those from the South in ways that promote deep intercultural learning and help mend the fractures of the world.