| | JULY 202519INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION AND ASSESSMENTBy Dr. Eric A. Canny, Assistant Teaching Professor of Education, University of Southern CaliforniaEric's Key Experiences and MilestonesMy career journey began as an artist, where I explored how visual storytelling can communicate complex social themes and influence audiences in meaningful ways. This experience showed me how art can act as a powerful tool for change, helping to shift perspectives and encourage critical reflection. Transitioning into global education allowed me to take on leadership roles in international programs, where I built intercultural partnerships and worked on bridging academic and cultural gaps. This phase of my career reinforced the importance of adaptable frameworks, cultural understanding and collaboration. Now, as a faculty member focused on organizational change, I combine these experiences at USC to help students develop resilient, adaptive strategies for navigating today's dynamic environments.Developing Education Programs on Global Awareness and Multilayered AssessmentsWhen designing education programs with a focus on global awareness, I prioritize experiential learning, inclusivity and adaptability. These elements are rooted in my belief that students should connect personally with global issues. By encouraging creative exploration, self-reflection and community-based engagement, students can engage deeply with topics like identity, community and justice. In my global education work, I saw the value of integrating diverse perspectives from cultural, economic and political dimensions, allowing students to understand complex issues from multiple angles. This approach is reinforced through multilayered assessments--such as projects, peer reviews and reflective essays--which encourage students to showcase their learning in diverse ways, enhancing critical thinking and their overall understanding of global contexts.Implementing New Programs in Educational SettingsResistance to change is a natural and even valuable part of growth in educational settings. Early in my career, I learned that introducing new ideas can challenge established norms and provoke meaningful dialogue. This experience taught me that change, while often met with hesitation, can also inspire creativity and new perspectives. In global education, resistance frequently stemmed from concerns about workload and relevance as every program I worked with underwent considerable growth and significant organizational change. To address these concerns, I found it essential to engage stakeholders early on, facilitating discussions that tied changes to core institutional values like cultural awareness and global competency. Presenting examples of successful partnerships and alignment with academic as well as career-readiness goals further eased transitions. Now, in organizational change, I continue to emphasize open dialogue and data-backed insights (which need to be linked to a learning organization) to help stakeholders see the benefits. This fosters a shared understanding and smoother transitions.Dr. Eric A. CannyCXO INSIGHTS
< Page 9 | Page 11 >