The dialectics of global imperatives and local identities in Ethiopian teacher education

Abstract

The dialectics of globalization and multiculturalism is encountered everywhere and is an inescapable world reality. It has also become a major factor affecting teacher education. As a meeting ground and intercept for educational programs, teacher education provides an interface for both global imperatives and local identities. Ethiopia has pronounced achievements in most education programs at all levels, although official documents indicate variance in the quality of attainment across the levels (ESDP IV, 2011). Local studies (Ambisa, 2008; Amaliraj, 2008) also found that teacher education suffers from a lack of relevance and poor quality. Moreover, the demand for qualified teachers who are competent to shape the young generation through balancing the glocal context is increasing. This study investigated how local identities and global imperatives are integrated in contemporary Ethiopian teacher education at all levels. Critical theory was employed as the paradigm for the study. This epistemological view underpinned a discussion of the effect of globalization and multiculturalism on the world’s functioning. The research approach in the empirical study was qualitative and an interpretive case study method was employed. The units of analysis were literatures, such as The Lexus vs. the Olive Tree; McWorld vs. Jihad; The Clash of Civilization: The West vs. the Rest; and Demonstrating Common World Culture of Education (CWCE) or Locating A Globally Structured Agenda for Education (GSAE); and the contemporary Ethiopian teacher education programs (the PGDT and TESO programs). Data collection tools were basic dialectical questions under Eemeren’s (1986) established ‘system of norms’, observation, interviews and focus group discussions. Confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent, resolution of conflict of interest and intellectual ownership were considered in the study. The dialectical analysis investigated the four quadrant glocal relationships model and described the role players in each quadrant where nations may locate themselves. Moreover, the comparative analysis indicated that globalization has not yet become an issue in contemporary Ethiopian teacher education, while multicultural practices are fragmented and are addressed only in response to ethnic demands for accommodation. To this end, Ethiopian teacher education should redefine its programs in order to adjust to global understanding in an endeavor to produce competent teachers for the global market.