Abstract

Trade, migration, pandemics, global warming, and a radical shift in wealth from the West to the East — all of these factors and more indicate that we’re living in a world of global challenges that will require global solutions. Educational institutions and industry both discuss the importance of global competencies, but they each do so with different intents and emphases. Industry focuses on qualities such as adaptability, cultural awareness and resourcefulness; while Education focuses on the development of language skills. Technology has created multi-sensory solutions to bridge language gaps, educators can follow this lead and move forward with global competencies. This paper will explore teaching techniques that emphasize the learning of concepts over language through creative problem-solving, experiential learning, observation, tactile and metaphorical exercises. Case studies of hands-on activities will also be included. These approaches will assist instructors to develop more inclusive and transformative environments in their classrooms where students from various language and cultural backgrounds have the opportunity to become engaged learners, build life-long learning skills and gain the confidence to solve complex problems at local, national and international levels. Such a shift is necessary to transition education to the next level.