Globalization and Changing Patterns of Education: A Sociological Analysis

Abstract

In today's world there is no place where globalization doesn't make its mark. It brought changes each and every part of life. Education is also impacted and it no longer only refers to a specific person, place, community or society. The transfer of knowledge through the information and communication technology has connected the educational systems all over the world due to continuous development of the information and communication technology. As a result, there is a swift and abrupt shift in aims, objectives, curriculum, style of teaching and learning, assessment, role of students and teacher, expectations of student, and educational institutions. This paper is an examination of the relationship between globalization and shifting trends in education with a sociological lens. It covers the changing goals, curriculum, the teaching-learning process, assessment and evaluation, research and development in the context of globalization. Recent trend in education is also discussed. Yes, globalization has increased the accessibility of education, created opportunities for partnership and global cooperation, and opened up opportunities for education. At the same time, it has brought about many restrictions, namely, the digital divide, commercialization of education, inequality, cultural changes, and pressure on teachers and students. The paper argues that globalization has opened up avenues and obstacles both for education. Thus, educational policies should be a visionary one that can merge the global as well as local context of knowledge and open up possibilities for social justice, equality and global harmony.