Why Teach About Globalization? Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions of the Benefits and Challenges of Teaching Globalization Issues

Globalization enables a better understanding of the modern world and inspires responsible actions that will change our future for the better. Even though the term globalization was introduced more than twenty years ago, little research has been directed towards the preparation of teachers for introducing this controversial, present-day phenomenon at the secondary school level. This paper is based on a qualitative study developed by the researchers to examine pre-service Social Studies teachers’ perceptions of the main benefits and challenges of teaching globalization and related global issues. The findings provide valuable insights into the importance of teaching controversial topics as well as what it means to teach globalization and global issues in the rapidly changing world.