EXPLORING THE INTERNATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF STUDENTS IN A COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Abstract

Knowledge of important international events and conditions seemingly enables professional personnel to effectively serve multicultural student populations and to guide their growth of global competence. Prior studies found young US adults generally display less knowledge of international issues than their age peers in other industrialized countries, with education majors demonstrating relatively lower knowledge levels compared to their peers in other majors. This study examines the degree of international knowledge displayed by 259 undergraduate education and non-education students. The two groups of students display similar yet low levels of international knowledge. Our findings reinforce the need for continued international education initiatives.

Keywords: international knowledge; international education; undergraduate students; education in the United States

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