Teachers' beliefs about global education in grades 3 and 6 in Prince Edward Island

This is a quantitative study, the main goal of which is to provide insight into grade 3 and 6 teachers' beliefs about global education in Prince Edward Island (PEI). A review of the literature looking at paradigms of global education, teacher belief systems, the Atlantic Canadian curriculum and obstacles to global education is presented. A mail-out questionnaire was used to collect data about teacher experiences and beliefs about global education in Prince Edward Island. Three research questions were addressed: What are the beliefs around global education held by elementary teachers in Prince Edward Island and what factors might play a role in shaping these beliefs? What topics that reflect a global perspective do elementary teachers in Prince Edward Island currently address in their classrooms? What are the perceived obstacles in implementing global education in Prince Edward Island? In total, 111 teachers responded to the mail-out questionnaire which yielded an acceptable response rate of 54%. There was wide recognition of the importance of global education amongst participants, but a minority of participants felt that they were applying global education in their teaching to a great extent. Helping teachers to develop a deeper understanding of what global education means is needed. Professional development opportunities, curriculum development and current, accessible teaching resources are recommended in order to support teachers in facilitating learning from a global perspective in Prince Edward Island.