Careers: International Immersion - Pre-K !?

With all the controversies in public school systems about the extent to which global studies initiatives should be funded, it's interesting to see many private schools plowing ahead on their own.

The International School of Tucson (AZ.) is one such example. For starters, IST emphasizes "how to learn" (through a methology that stresses inquiry based upon hypothesis, research, data collection, experimentation and observation.)

Recognizing these youngsters will grow up in an increasingly Global Neighborhood, the school also immerses youngsters in foreign languages early. How early? Get this - Pre-school classes are taught entirely in alternative languages - French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese (coming soon).

To quote IST, "We believe that learning occurs when the student passes through the above stages to the point where s/he reflects on the experiences s/he has had and on the information s/he has gained through a process of discovery. Through the guidance of the teacher, the learner acquires and moves beyond the "core" body of knowledge required to become an "educated person".

Educated people - not trained automatons. Increasingly, academic and professional disciplines over the next few decades must by necessity train budding career seekers how to think instead in addition to "what to think." In a world of heightened competition, rapidly changing technologies and modes of conducting business or exchange, our future depends on a new kind of thinker. Kudos to IST and their ilk.