The introduction of the Boyer Model of Scholarship raised an interesting approach to breaking down a long standing educational structure in order to better understand the sector and the individuals within that. The four key elements took to explain not only the different ways educational goals can be achieved but also defining ways in which individuals may excel in different methods.
The four key elements are similar yet distinctly different in their own right, beginning with the Scholarship of Discovery we are drawn to a particular mind set of an individual. One where an individual questions why things are the way they are and then challenging this question through research. It is this approach of thought and tenacious discovery that has allowed mankind to develop and evolve over time. Whether it is the existence of bacteria in the body resulting in the creation of penicillin or the understanding of the sun’s ultraviolet rays seeing the invention of sunscreen.
The Scholarship of Discovery seamlessly flows into the Scholarship of Integration by allowing individuals to take these proven theories from discovery research and further investigate them. To push the concept past the point their original creators did or to add to them with related or seemingly unrelated theory’s. The process allows two different mindsets to work very effectively together, for an individual to create SPF 15+ sunscreen and then have another individual use that research to develop SPF 50+ sunscreen to adapt to the Australian conditions.
The Scholarship of Application shows us a creative break from traditional academia, by allowing individuals to interact with their field of study in real life scenarios rather than waiting until they are fully qualified to do so. This model, when implemented correctly can be extremely beneficial to the individual as it allows them to apply the knowledge first hand as they are still developing the concept opposed to knowledge retention after the fact.
The Scholarship of Teaching concludes the four key elements with an unreserved importance placed on the individual holding the title of the Educator. This model reinforced the influence a teacher with an unshakable understanding of their curriculum or subject matter will have on their students. A teacher with in depth knowledge will have long lasting effects on their students and the way their students retain the knowledge, by creating an open question and active discussion environment the students work together to soundboard and further develop their knowledge. A teacher than can provide specific contextualised examples to their students will create recall memories. A great teacher can encourage individuals to achieve incredible things by igniting an interest in learning.
The four key elements must complement each other but remain reasonably independent of one another, as they each have a key role within the sector as does the individual personality profile that is suited to each model.
Global Citizenship and its implementation is not a new concept but it is a concept that has an increasing importance in this current generation. To understand and accept yourself and your role in the grand scheme of life can be a life long task to achieve, however to live life everyday actively working to ensure the people you are surrounded with either by choice or circumstance are treated equally, fairly and with respect can take some mental discipline. (Oxfam UK, n.d)
Whilst the world has made much overdue progress in the rights of and attitudes towards individuals relating to race, sexual orientation, religion, culture and disabilities there remain generational or inherited habits that need to be address. In addition to this we see new emerging issues with the world’s technology and how individuals interact with each other.
As the technology available creates a desire to be entertained at all times individuals become more introverted and self-serving this can diminish the ability to communicate effectively with others. The online bullying and lack of social skills developing over the last twenty years is a new challenge within itself. Individuals now have a platform to use hurtful language directed at others without experiencing the emotional hesitation that exists in face to face communication, simply said they have the confidence to type an offensive comment in an online forum that they would never say to the persons face. (Kids Help Line, n.d)
This is a critical reason why Global Citizenship is fundamentally needed in today’s society, asking people to stop and think. If you can’t be kind, be quiet.
The Education sector is a wonderful environment full of people from all walks of life, with an industry that allows people to travel to undertake education in the setting of a new country can provide an unparalleled experience both educationally and culturally.
In particular Australia’s education system from Kindergarten through to University is full of different people with different backgrounds, it is reflective of all cultures that make up this country. As a country there is a strategic emphasis on the incorporation of cultural awareness into the curriculum at all levels. This promotes from an early age the skills to share and embrace our own differences and the differences of others, to see them as positives and strengths rather than reasons to be outcast.
Regardless of the scenario or the individual, if you approach each interaction as an opportunity to improve someone’s day or genuinely educate yourself about somebody else’s beliefs or background the carry on affects can be unlimited. To smile, to say thank you, to help another person can change someone’s attitude in a heartbeat and whilst it might not achieve world peace if everybody made the conscious effort to have positive interactions it will have an impact.
To ask genuine questions and actually listen to the answer, remember when someone is sharing their experiences with you they are not asking for your opinion, they are opening you up to a life that is potentially different from your own.
To train yourself mentally to listen, think positive, be honest and sincere can be a daily effort for a long time before it becomes a way of life or second nature but it sits at the heart of being a Global Citizen as Nelson Mandela said “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite”.
REFERENCES
Kids Help Line. About Online Bullying. Retrieved from https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/cyberbullying
Oxfam UK. About Global Citizenship. Retrieved from https://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/who-we-are/what-is-global-citizenship