The OECD’s assessment of global competence: Measuring and making global elites

Euan Douglas AULD, Paul MORRIS

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapters

Abstract

This chapter explores the OECD’s move to assess the ‘global competence’ (GC) of students through PISA, focusing on (i) shifting rationales, (ii) conceptions of GC over time, (iii) the groups involved in defining GC, and (iv) issues relating to the measurement itself. The chapter argues that the rationale and nature of the OECD’s measurement has been superficially influenced by the organisation’s attempt to position itself as the primary agency responsible for tracking progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Despite this realignment of values, the analysis suggests that the OECD’s measurement remains focused on its vision of fostering individuals that can compete in a global economy, a vision at odds with the UN’s conception of global citizenship. This is related in part to the organisation’s core mission and the groups involved in constructing the measurement. With the potential to be positioned as a yardstick for internationalisation in schools and societies, we argue that the OECD’s measurement may further contribute to the process of making and legitimating global elites. Copyright © 2020 Taylor & Francis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe machinery of school internationalisation in action: Beyond the established boundaries
EditorsLaura C. ENGEL, Claire MAXWELL, Miri YEMINI
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherRoutledge
Pages17-35
ISBN (Electronic)9780429280627
ISBN (Print)9780367235871
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2019

Citation

Auld, E., & Morris, P. (2019). The OECD’s assessment of global competence: Measuring and making global elites. In L. C. Engel, C. Maxwell, & M. Yemini (Eds.), The machinery of school internationalisation in action: Beyond the established boundaries (pp. 17-35). New York: Routledge.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The OECD’s assessment of global competence: Measuring and making global elites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.