Unit 6 Education For International Understanding
UNIT 6: EDUCATION FOR INTERNATIONAL
UNDERSTANDING
UNIT STRUCTURE
6.1 Learning Objectives
6.2 Introduction
6.3 Meaning of International Understanding
6.3.1 Needs for International Understanding
6.3.2 Principles of Education for International Understanding
6.3.3 Education as a way of International Understanding
6.4 Let Us Sum Up
6.5 Further Readings
6.6 Answers to Check Your Progress
6.7 Model Questions
6.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit you will be able to:
l define the meaning of International understanding
l explain the needs and importance of international understanding
l explain the role of education to strengthen international
understanding
l list different principles of education for international understanding
l discuss the ways and means for promoting international
understanding
6.2 INTRODUCTION
This unit will familiarise us with the meaning of International
Understanding. Just imagine, that without understanding and integration
among the members of a family we cannot think of a peaceful situation at
home. Without unity, ultimately, the family will break up and there will be no
welfare and progress of the family. Now, come out of our family and think
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Education For International Understanding Unit 6
about our country. All members of a family must have some common
objectives, some feelings of love and respect for one another. Only then
will the family prosper and live happily. Similarly, there should be a spirit of
integration and understanding internally within the country and externally
among the countries of the world. ‘International understanding’ denotes the
understanding among the different nations of the world.
5.3 MEANING OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
International Understanding implies mutual understanding, faith and
respect among the various nations or countries of the world. As globalization
has changed the entire scenario, and due to the facilities for rapid
communication and transportation, all the countries of the world have come
closer to one another. Just as we cannot live alone and remain aloof from
the family and if anything good or bad happens to us, it will definitely affects
the other members of the family; similarly now anything happening in one
country inevitably has its repercussions in other countries as well. This has
necessitated mutually good and cordial relations amongst the countries of
the world. And this is termed as International Understanding. A few important
views on the concept of international understanding may be given here-
According to Dr. Radhakrishnan, “It is essential for us not to live
apart but to live together, understanding one another’s fears and anxieties,
aspirations and thoughts. We must work for racial harmony. We may be
American. We may be Russian, but we are essentially human beings.
In the words of Dr. Walter [Link], a former Deputy Director
General of UNESCO, “International understanding is the ability to observe
critically and objectively and appraise the conduct of men everywhere to
each other, irrespective of the nationality or culture to which they may
belong.”
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Unit 6 Education For International Understanding
LET US KNOW
International Understanding means –
l Mutual, good and cordial relations amongst the
countries of the world.
l Implies understanding/respect for human rights and dignity.
l A sense of solidarity of mankind and international co-operation.
l Desire to live together in peace with each other.
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
Q 1: W hat do you mean by International
Understanding?
.............................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................
6.3.1 Need for International Understanding
Don’t we feel that if peace, prosperity and economic
conditions of our country are to be upgraded, we have to work
together, keeping aside our selfishness? It is also necessary to
create good living conditions because only in such a condition all
round development is possible. In broader sense, to have a peaceful
and developed world, it is necessary to make all the human beings
aware that they are the members of a single human society
irrespective of the national boundaries and other differences. In fact,
the very survival of humanity depends upon International
Understanding. It is needed because –
The two World Wars including the Gulf War of the last century
made it quite clear to all the nations of the world that another war
may wipeout the entire humanity from this earth. Are we not
recognised as supreme of all creatures? So, it is the right time to
show the supremacy by stopping the war mania and rivalries among
the nations.
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Today, science and technology have to a great extent
removed the barriers of time and distance. The entire world has
come under one roof. Any happening in one country affects the other
parts of the world due to the rapid network. Again, all the countries
of the world are economically interdependent upon one another due
to the effects of globalization. This has led to the realisation that all
the nations of the world should stand or fall together. Thus
International understanding is the need of the hour. To sum up it can
be said that –
International Understanding is needed to –
Ø prevent world wars
Ø maintain one’s sovereignty
Ø strengthen democratic principles
Ø develop backward nations
Ø develop network with other countries
Ø promote human welfare
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
Q 2: W hy do you think that international
understanding is essential among the countries of
the world?
..............................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................
ACTIVITY 6.1
Point out the major reasons for the necessity of
International Understanding.
..............................................................................................................
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Unit 6 Education For International Understanding
6.3.2 Principles of Education for International
Understanding
We are convinced that International Understanding is needed
for bringing peace and happiness, prosperity economic self
sufficiency, brotherhood [Link] the people of the world. So, the
education planners must include the following principles on which
education for International Understanding should be based, for
education is the only means to propagate this global message. The
principles should be based on the following:
Interdependence should be stressed: For the satisfaction
of the physical, social and economic needs each country has to
depend upon the other. Needs of all nations can be better satisfied
if there is international co-operation and understanding.
Developing tolerance and mutual co-operation: Always
remember that where there is tolerance and mutual co-operation,
there is hardly any distrust and suspicion, and ultimately peace will
prevail in such a condition.
Redefining patriotism in the modern context: Patriotism
in its narrow sense is very dangerous as it may come in the way of
world peace. The love for one’s own country should not stand in the
way of the wider loyalty to humanity. So, the term should be redefined
and reinterpreted to realise internationalism.
Elimination of fear: Fear is the basis of suspicion and
suspiciousness and prepares the nations for mutual distrust,
bickering and ultimately to war. So, fear should be removed through
proper education and stress should be given on the principle of LIVE
AND LET LIVE.
Belief in universal freedom: This is the age of democracy
which believes that freedom is the birthright of everybody. Our
education should be so designed, as to infuse in us the democratic
ideals and spirit of man.
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Emphasizing correct values: Democratic values, group
responsibility, co-operation, tolerance and mutual understanding
should be stressed, for the students to learn through education.
We should create faith in humanity as humanity is the true religion
of all human beings.
LET US KNOW
We should try to make the students realise that man is
the most beautiful and supreme creation of the universe.
Let us do everything of the best of our abilities to make
this planet the best and the most beautiful.
Inculcate corporate responsibility: We all realise that we are the
citizens of the world and as such we are responsible for anything
bad or ugly that happens in the world. For the realization of our
common aims we must work together and help one another in times
of difficulty and distress.
Practical use of knowledge: All the above mentioned theoretical
principles of education for International Understanding will be useless
and futile if they are not translated into action. So, we must train and
educate our younger generation to use this theoretical knowledge of
International Understanding for doing something practical to bring
international unity.
LET US KNOW
Following principles are recommended by UNESCO for
International Understanding –
Ø to educate mankind for the world community
Ø to co-operate in international organisations
Ø interdependence should be stressed
Ø to form a common world international organisation which can
constitute a common heritage for mankind
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Ø to develop a sense of responsibility to the world community
Ø to stress to develop healthy social attitudes in children.
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
Q 3: International Understanding is essential to
maintain one’s sovereignty (True/false)
....................................................................................................
Q 4: Friendship and harmony amongst different nations means
.............................................. (fill in blank)
Q 5: Why is the interdependence among the nations stressed for
promotion of International Understanding? Give two reasons.
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6.3.3 Education as a Way of International Understanding
Bertrand Russel once said – “Education may not bring
internationalism from political point of view but education is the only
agency through which it is possible to develop the feeling of true
internationalism”. In previous discussions also, it has been found
that only education can bring any kind of change in our society. So,
education should be so organised and formulated that it can promote
International Understanding. In this regard you can discuss the
following ways and means of education f or promoting
internationalism –
Re-framing curriculum and text books : The role of curriculum
and text book is always vital. The right type of curriculum and text
book definitely orients the minds of the youth towards the direction
of peace and harmony. The redesigned curriculum should enable
our students:
Ø to learn that the earth is the home of man and other living things;
Ø to gain knowledge about the world we live in-its people, their
similarities and differences, the variety of their modes of life etc
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Ø to learn how to promote better understanding of the
interdependence of the people of the world
Ø to inculcate respect for all the major religions of the world
Ø to know something about the long strength of mankind to replace
conflict with cooperation
Ø to develop a desire and the simple skills to participate effectively
in building a better world.
This means that all the important subjects and other activities that
comprise the curriculum should initiate the students into the world
of which they are the members. This necessitates a two-way
programme. One is to rewrite the school textbooks with a view to
promoting international understanding and another is the methods
and techniques of teaching various subjects have to be re-oriented
and remodeled.
Stressing co-curricular activities : Co-curricular activities which
are organized in educational institutions today can be used as a
means for promoting international understanding among the
students. Following co-curricular activities can be organised –
Ø celebrating days of international importance such as the U.N
Day, Human Rights Day, World Health Day etc
Ø celebrating birthdays of international figures i.e. great human
beings belonging to different countries and religion
Ø forming friendship clubs
Ø enacting world famous plays
Ø arranging debate on international issues etc.
Ø asking students to subscribe to the funds raised in aid of a foreign
country which might have been afflicted by some natural
calamities like earthquake, flood etc.
Ø inviting foreign scholars to address the students to broaden their
mental horizon regarding world problems and world situations.
Role of teachers and students : As you know that teacher’s
personality and outlook is always influential in creating or forming
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attitudes in the students and even in the community. So, to foster
International Understanding he must be a man of broad mind and
vision. This attitude of the teacher will surely influence the students
and they will carry the message of broad vision (internationalism) to
the society. Besides for promoting international understanding a
teacher can play a dynamic role in the following ways:
Ø Firstly, a teacher should himself have faith in the world society
and internationalism. It will help him to infuse the spirit of
internationalism among the students.
Ø The teacher should emphasise not merely the contents of the
various school subjects, rather the school should condition the
pupil’s minds for international spirit.
Ø The teacher by his way of teaching should kindle the interest of
the people to know more and more about other lands and their
people. The teacher should create an emotional background by
teaching subjects like history, civics, social studies etc.
Ø The teacher should encourage his pupils to make friends,
celebrate important days enthusiastically.
Ø Besides it is also the role of the teacher to make effort to educate
the adult society for internationalism, peaceful way of life and
mutual co-existence.
Ø During the process of exchange programme, the teacher should
bring out the best that is present in other people’s culture and
civilizations and enable the children to incorporate the same in
his own.
Face to Face Contacts: Face to face contacts are of great help in
broadening outlook, breaking rigid isolation of individual nations and
in removing imaginary fears and grievances. The following activities
are useful in this regard:
(a) International camps: Organising international camps for
students and teachers and living in these camps will equally
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break cultural barriers and create mutual amity and international
accord.
(b) Cultural and Study tours: Organising cultural and study tours
to other countries may prove to be instrumental in enlarging
human understanding and sympathies.
(c) Cultural exchanges: Educational institutions should co-operate
and actively participate in the programme of sending cultural
missions, consisting of teachers, students, scholars, poets,
artists, writers etc to different countries of the world. This will
broaden the national outlook of the persons concerned to a great
extent and will help in establishing cultural fellowship among
different nations.
(d) Institutions of international character: Regular institutions
of international character are gradually coming into being. Inter-
country gatherings and working for common ideals in these
institutions have already proved their worth. Visit to these
institutions and working together may help in broadening the
outlook and develop the sense of international understanding.
Role of UNESCO: After suffering from the ill effects of the two World
Wars, the UNESCO was formed in 1945. The main objective of the
UNESCO is to establish a peaceful and progressive world free from
war. So, we are always hopeful about all the activities done by
UNESCO in this regard.
Let us conclude that this unit will help us to understand the true
meaning of International Understanding. Not only for the progress
and prosperity, but also the very survival of mankind that we must
try to promote internationalism and education is the strongest and
the most potent agency for promoting both. LET US SPREAD
UNITY AND BROTHERHOOD AND GLORIFY THE VERY NAME
OF INDIAN CITIZEN.
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Unit 6 Education For International Understanding
ACTIVITY 6.2
Make a list of activities performed by the different
schools of your locality to bring international
understanding.
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CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
Q 6: The UNESCO was formed in the year
.......................................... (fill in the blank)
Q 7: One of the objectives of the UNESCO is — (choose the
correct one)
i) to exchange thoughts and ideas of people
ii) to establish a peaceful and progressive world free from war
iii) to promote friendship
iv) to train teachers
Q 8: Exchange programmes may rectify wrong notions about
other countries (true/false)
6.4 LET US SUM UP
l The meaning and importance of National Integration and International
Understanding.
l The various hurdles and obstacles of National Integration and
International Understanding can be identified.
l Communalism, Casteism, Religious prejudices, Provincialism,
Regionalism, Economic condition, defective education system, Foreign
language as a medium of instruction are some of the hurdles in the way
of National Integration.
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l Only through educative means the obstacles can be removed and
promote International Understanding as well; because education is the
common medium and it is reachable to all.
l For an advanced developed and peaceful world, where all people,
irrespective of caste and class can live unitedly, the first and foremost
necessity is to promote INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING.
6.5 FURTHER READING
1) K.K. Bhatia : Principles and theories of education.
2) R.N. Sharma : Principles and techniques of education.
3) Safaya & Shaida : Modern theory and principles of education.
4) Chaube & Chaube : Philosophical and sociological foundations of
education.
6.6 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
Ans to Q No 1: International understanding implies the mutual
understanding, faith and respect among the various nations or countries
of the world. Impact of globalisation and development of information
and communication technology ties all the countries of the world have
come closer to one another.
Ans to Q No 2: International understanding is necessary, because:
l It encourages people to live under one umbrella
l It is needed for preventing world’s war and maintaining one’s
sovereignty.
l It also helps to strengthen the democratic principles.
l It tries to develop the backward nations.
l It tries to promote the network with other countries.
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l Infact, the feeling and practice of international understanding promote
the human welfare as a whole.
Ans to Q No 3: True.
Ans to Q No 4: International understanding.
Ans to Q No 5: Interdependence of the nations are stressed for promotion
of International Understanding, because of:
l Developing tolerance and mutual co-operation among the States.
l Redefining patriotism in the modern context.
l Elimination of fear.
l Belief in universal freedom.
l Emphasis correct values.
Ans to Q No 6: 1945.
Ans to Q No 7: ii) to establish a peaceful and progressive world free from
war .
Ans to Q No 8: True.
6.7 MODEL QUESTIONS
A) Short Questions (Answer each question in about 150 words)
Q 1: What do you mean by international understanding?
Q 2: What are the guiding principles of UNESCO for international
understanding?
Q3: What part can the teachers play in bringing about international peace
and cooperation?
Q4: Briefly discuss how the school curriculum should be developed to
bring about international understanding.
B) Long Questions (Answer each question in about 300-500 words)
Q 1: Discuss the needs and importance for International Understanding?
Q 2: “Too much nationalistic feeling is harmful for the promotion of
International Understanding” — justify the statement.
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Q 3: Explain fully the meaning of “Education for international
understanding”. Describe a few activities which can be undertaken
in your school/educational institute for its development.
*** ***** ***
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REFERENCES
Books:
1) Pandey R.S. : Principles of Education, Vinod Pustak Mandir. Agra.3
2) Bhatia and Bhatia : Theory and Principles of Education, DOABA House,
New Delhi
3) Das. L. : A Text Book of Education, Sangam Publications. Gauhati-1
4) Mahanty. J. : Indian Education in Emerging Society, Sterling Publishers
Pvt. Ltd. Delhi
5) Rusk, R.R. Philosophical Bases of Education University of
London
6) Nunn, T.P. Education : Its Data and First Principles. London:
Edward Arnold
7) Dewey, J. Democracy and Education Newyork: Macmillan &
Co.
8) K.K. Bhatia : Principles & Theories of Education.
9) R.N. Sarma: Principles & Techniques of Education
10) Safaya & Shaida: Modern Theory & Principles of Education.
11) Chaube & Chaube : Philosophical & Sociological Foundations
of Education
12) Tilak Raj Bharadwaj: Education Human Values
13) Jatin Baruah : An Introduction to Education
14) Hemlata Talessa & Others: Cultural Heritage & Educational
Initiators
15) Agrawal, D (2007): Curriculum Development: Concepts,
Method, Satritha Publications.
16) Kochhar, S.K. (1995) : Method and Techniques of Teaching,
Sterling Publishers private Limited
17) Safaya, R.N. and Shaida, B.D. (1996): Development of
Educational Theory and Practice , Dhanpat Rai & Sons,
Jalandhar, Delhi
Reports:
1) Govt. of India: Mudaliar Commission Report.
2) Govt of India : Report of the Education Commission.
3) Position Paper, National Focus group on Systematic Reforms
for Curriculum Change, Vol.2.2, NCERT Publication, New Delhi
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