Publications
Analyzing Student Work from The Open Canopy Using the Global Cities Codebook (2025)
In this study Project Zero researchers applied the Codebook to a sample of student data from a different curriculum model, The Open Canopy. Like Global Scholars, The Open Canopy brings students from around the world together in an asynchronous online discussion platform, on which students post information based on a provided curriculum. The goals of this study were to apply the global learning framework to measure the extent to which we can observe global competency in a sample of Open Canopy student work and, in doing so, add to the evidence that global competencies are measurable and the Codebook is a useful tool for measuring complicated constructs of global competency.
measuring global learning among students in afs virtual exchange programs (2025)
This study used the Global Cities Codebook for Global Student Learning Outcomes (the Codebook) to better understand how AFS virtual exchange programs are working and to determine whether students enrolled in the AFS Global Up Teen (GUP Teen) or Global You Changemaker (GYC) programs were developing global competence. It also demonstrates that the Codebook can be applied to a variety of global competency curricula to identify what students are learning and the aspects of the curriculum and program model that drive student growth. By using the Codebook to identify the types of curricular topics and activities that promote global learning, this study provides insight into the effectiveness of the AFS global learning model in achieving its curricular goals. This research advances this new evaluation methodology in the field of global competency education, which can be used in any K-12 program or classroom to identify student progress.
codebook for global student learning outcomes: companion to successfully educating tomorrow’s global citizens (2023)
The Codebook for Global Student Learning Outcomes is a tool for evaluators and teachers interested in determining how well students are demonstrating global learning in any program or classroom. It also assists teachers in understanding how students are learning and what aspects of their curricula are sparking student learning. Teachers can use the Codebook to assess progress in learning by coding and analyzing student writing. Educators and researchers can use the Codebook to design, evaluate or implement global competency curricula and programs.
The Codebook and its accompanying video guide are currently available in 5 languages: Catalan, English, Kazakh, Russian, and Spanish.
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successfully educating tomorrow’s global citizens: teaching and evaluating global competency in e-classrooms (2022)
This report details our original methodology to assess global learning based on student exchanges on digital discussion boards and shares critical findings about what and how students are learning through the Global Scholars program. It is based on research conducted by Global Cities, Inc., a program of Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Out of Eden Learn (OOEL), a digital exchange provider and active research project at Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero.
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Far From Remote: Survey Evidence of Student Learning in Digital Classrooms (2020)
This in-depth analysis of survey responses from more than 8,500 students in 47 cities shows the impact of the Global Scholars program on selected global and general learning outcomes. By students’ own accounts, over the course of the program year, they made noticeable gains in the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors they need to become globally competent adults.
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evaluating global digital education: student outcomes framework (2018)
This pioneering report draws on years of original data and a thorough literature review to identify the precise components of “global competency” that global digital exchange can promote. This includes four global learning outcomes and the five general learning outcomes that support them.
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global competency begins here: student learning outcomes brochure (2018)
This at-a-glance brochure examines nine student learning outcomes and precise indicators for each, allowing teachers to identify key knowledge, skill, attitudinal and behavioral indicators as they develop in the classroom.
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The Future of International Digital Learning K-12 (2016)
The expansion of technology has created new opportunities for students from every community, regardless of income, to explore the world. This report presents findings from the implementation of Global Scholars, a program of Global Cities, Inc. that can be used to expand international digital learning for K-12 students.
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Top Ten Questions to Ask About Global Digital Exchange (2016)
This companion to The Future of International Digital Learning K-12 is adapted from a 2016 presentation. It answers common questions for those new to the field of global digital exchange, based on the expertise of Global Cities, Inc. in implementing its Global Scholars program.
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