Being InternationalParent Engagement Week 2013
The educational benefit of intercultural education and the promotion of
international mindedness
Presented by David Gerber GEMS World Academy
Goals for this discussion
• Become familiar with the definition of internationalism, internationally minded and intercultural education
• Look at the Learner Profile as a conceptual tool for understanding relationships
• Be able to recognize opportunities to support internationalism
How internationally minded are the following people?
Barack ObamaRichard Branson
Ban Ki MoonAngelina JolieOprah Winfrey
Mother Theresa Madonna
Fidel Castro Roger Federer
International Mindedness
L.P. Diamond-ranking activity
Table groups
In the layout shown left, each table ranks
the given named people with the most
internationally-minded at the top and
the least at the bottom.
What are examples of important 21st
Century Skills?
Why is internationalism important in a child’s education?
The history of the term internationalism
• Emerged as a trademark for 21st century education.
• 2002 – International Baccalaureate Organization focused on International Harmony
• “A better more peaceful world through the rigor of education”-George Walker
• “I am not sure that the IB originally saw itself as one of the best hopes for international/intercultural understanding but it is clear that you (they) have been thrust into that position” -Professor Howard Gardner, Harvard University
• IBO Director General, George Walker signals that “We currently are engaged in a search for an education that recognizes the realities of the 21st century. This new international education can be called ‘international mindedness’ (Hill 2000)” (Walker, 2004, p.3).
Differences between being international and international
mindedness
International/Intercultural Internationally minded
• Representatives from many nations or cultures
• Students and/or teachers have traveled extensively
• Broad understanding of intercultural RELATIONS
• More encompassing skills of empathy due to cultural knowledge
Source: http://www.homeofbob.com/literature/esl/icebergCulture.gif
The acknowledgement in ourselves, our communities and the world
How can we teach children to be internationally minded?
Think 1 Think 2
Conceptual thinking is not:
Conceptual thinking is:
Why concepts are important….
Conceptual learning in the PYP:
1. Prevent the need of memorization as a goal
2. Help transfer of knowledge
3. Understanding depends on the ability to see the commonalities and differences in a global contexts
Concepts to understand the world
The PYP Key Concepts
• Form
• Function
• Change
• Causation
• Perspective
• Responsibility
• Connection
Concepts to understand each other
The PYP Learner Profile
Caring Principled
Risk Taker Reflective
Communicator Open-minded
Inquirer Knowledgeable
Thinker Balanced
Personal, Local and Global knowledge:The road to international mindedness
Learner Profile is a tool to:
1. Obtain accurate information
2. Negotiate relationships
3. Understand others’ priorities
4. Distinguish between truth and lies
(Walker, 2002, pp.21-23).
How can we teach children to be internationally minded?
Think 1 Think 2
Any questions or comments?
• Please feel free to contact me for questions or comments
– David Gerber
PYP Coordinator
Ext. 383
