| This thesis explores the factors affecting the development of a global experiential education program in one Ontario public secondary school. It has been conducted in order to understand how these factors affect the ideals of global education programs, influencing the value of outcomes. It is a narrative inquiry, based upon the analysis of global education and educational change and grounded in research by Connelly (2000), Gaudelli (2003), Hicks (2003), Mundy (2007), Farrell (2000), Fullan (2007), and Tyack & Cuban (1995). Data analysis demonstrated that circumstantial, social, and psychological factors affected the development of the global education program. However, the central factor influencing all others was the quality of leadership in program development. Leaders' use of soft power facilitated program development in a context of time and resource constraints. The use of soft power compromises a few key ideals of global education however, understanding the long-term impacts demands further research. |
