International-Mindedness
What is international-mindedness?
International-mindedness means having a global perspective and understanding that we are all connected to the world. It involves taking responsibility for each other and recognizing the complexity of our relationships. People who are internationally minded appreciate and respect the diversity of different cultures and societies. They strive to learn about others, develop empathy, and work towards understanding and respecting each other. In the Primary Years Programme, students and their communities have different backgrounds and beliefs, and international-mindedness helps them find common ground and care for our planet together.
Developing international-mindedness
The learner profile attributes and approaches to learning are important skills and qualities that help develop international-mindedness. An internationally minded learner:
- Is good at communicating.
- Is open-minded and knowledgeable.
- Cares about others and thinks ethically.
- Uses curiosity and research skills to learn about the world.
- Thinks critically about different situations.
- Takes action to make positive changes, like promoting understanding between cultures, building caring relationships, and taking care of themselves and others.
- Takes risks to learn and understand more about others.
Introducing international-mindedness in the PYP framework
International-mindedness and the learner profile are important parts of the PYP curriculum. The framework focuses on knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes, and taking action.
To develop international-mindedness, it’s helpful to ask questions and have discussions about what people have in common. When students lead their own inquiries based on their interests, it creates opportunities to understand different cultures. We encourage local and global engagement by:
- Setting aside time for students to explore important local, national, and global issues.
- Discussing topics like the environment, peace, rights, migration, and different forms of governance in a way that is suitable for their age.
- Considering inequalities and power dynamics in their inquiries, actions, and reflections, and recognizing the challenges faced by different groups.
- Thinking about sustainable development and how we can protect the Earth’s resources for future generations.
During inquiries, students can share their knowledge and perspectives with their peers and teachers. It’s important to have conversations with people who have different backgrounds and perspectives to understand international-mindedness better. Sharing experiences, both similar and different, can expand our knowledge, understanding, and perspectives.
If you have any questions about the Primary Years Programme, please ask.
Best regards,
Matthew Richmond
PYP Coordinator