Students in Richard Hildner’s Global Village classes toured 20 countries last week. Not bad for an hour’s work. Through searching the Kalispell Center Mall, students experienced a hint of various countries cultures and economies. “This activity makes us aware of the items that are not produced in the United States,” said senior Kyle Thomas. “It also shows us how large corporate companies play a role not only in our economy, but also in the economics of other countries.” In hopes of teaching his students the importance of trade, Hildner accompanied his classes to search the mall for foreign-made products. “The objective of this activity is to demonstrate how we (the United States) are connected, whether we like it or not, to other places in the world,” said Hildner. “It teaches global interconnectedness.” After the field trip, students had to locate the countries where the items they found at the mall were made, and label them on a map along with the product produced there. “It teaches the students about the wide variety of items the U.S. uses and buys from other countries,” said Hildner. “It also teaches them where those places are in the world.” Students were glad to get out of the classroom and were amazed at how many products are made in other countries. “The field trip was cool because we got out of school for a change,” said junior Chase Little. “It showed us how many different countries produce things for the U.S.” “I liked the trip because we got out of the class because the class we’re in has no windows,” said sophomore Jennifer Foultner. “It helped us realize the different products made outside of the Untied States, and there were a lot.” Hildner had other reasons for the field trip. Besides teaching students about the amount of foreign-made products, it showed students how trade is essential for the United States. “We can’t be isolated in our thinking and government polices concerning trade,” said Hildner. “It’s the national interest to promote peace, to maintain free trade, and the students need to realize that.” |
