Challenging the Internationalisation of Education: A Critique of the Global Gaze

The book critiques the global take on education, arguing that the discourse of internationalization has altered the way we conceptualize education and created a culture of powerlessness, exclusion, and silencing. It also debates the issues caused when education is required to transcend national boundaries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a scathing critique of the prevailing global perspective on education, raising questions about why the notion that education should be international has gained such dominance in the field. It argues that the discourse of internationalization has fundamentally changed our understanding of education, rendering other ways of looking at it invisible. Through a diverse range of examples from the Middle East, the UK, and South-East Asia, the book gathers insights from international schooling, refugee education, and the internationalization of higher education. It contends that the "global gaze" obscures alternative perspectives on education, leading to a culture of powerlessness, exclusion, and silencing. Furthermore, the book delves into the challenges posed when education is required to transcend national boundaries. Ultimately, this book challenges the existing global education system and makes a significant contribution to academics, researchers, and students in the fields of higher education, education policy, politics, and education and development, broadly.

Introduction:
The global take on education has become increasingly dominant in recent years, with the idea that education should be international gaining widespread acceptance. However, this book argues that the discourse of internationalization has altered the way we conceptualize education, obscuring alternative perspectives and creating a culture of powerlessness, exclusion, and silencing.

The Dominance of the Global Perspective:
The book begins by exploring why the notion that education should be international has come to dominate the field. It suggests that the rise of globalization, the increasing interconnectedness of the world, and the need for global competence have all contributed to this shift. However, the book argues that this dominance has come at the expense of other ways of looking at education, such as local and national perspectives.

The Impact of Internationalization:
The book then delves into the impact of internationalization on education. It argues that the "global gaze" renders other ways of looking at education as invisible, creating a culture of powerlessness and exclusion. For example, the book highlights the ways in which international comparison amongst individuals and institutions can create a culture of powerlessness, where individuals feel inadequate in comparison to others and institutions feel pressured to conform to global standards.

The Culture of Powerlessness:
The book also explores the culture of powerlessness that can be created by the oversaturation of international comparison. It suggests that this culture can lead to a sense of disempowerment and a lack of agency among individuals and institutions. For example, the book notes that the pressure to conform to global standards can lead to the marginalization of local cultures and traditions, as well as the neglect of important issues such as social justice and equity.

The Challenges of Transcending National Boundaries:
Furthermore, the book debates the issues that are caused when education is required to transcend national boundaries. It suggests that the global education system in its current form is not equipped to address the diverse needs of students and communities around the world. For example, the book notes that the emphasis on standardized testing and academic achievement can be detrimental to the development of critical thinking and creativity, which are essential for success in the 21st century.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a searing critique of the global take on education, questioning why the idea that education should be international has come to dominate the field. It argues that the discourse of internationalization has altered the way we conceptualize education, rendering other ways of looking at it invisible. The book also highlights the challenges posed by the global education system in its current form, such as the culture of powerlessness and the neglect of local and national perspectives. Ultimately, this book will be an important contribution for academics, researchers, and students in the fields of higher education, education policy, politics, and education and development, broadly.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032382357