This paper focuses on an innovative educational programme that has evolved from a series of North-South school links centred on the Northern construct of Global Learning in Zanzibar. The programme, which combines Lesson Study with Cascade Teaching and Global Learning, is reflected upon to examine its effectiveness and the implications of building learners’ “critical thinking” on pupil performance. Data collected through a mixed method research approach from students and teachers is examined to assess changes in their ability in and application of critical thinking to decision making and understanding of different perspectives. The data is also examined from a student performance perspective, which is the underlying requirement of the Project funders. In doing so, this paper illustrates the global importance of global learning and critical thinking in shaping competent and confident individuals for the 21st century.

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