What is International Mindedness? Practices to Develop

In this age of globalisation, developing an international perspective in teaching is paramount. The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, recognised for its rigourous curriculum, places international mindedness at the core of its philosophy. This concept is one of the four basic elements of all IB programmes and guides students to become knowledgeable, empathic, and responsible members of a global society.

Let’s read on to discover the meaning of international mindedness and how to develop it at school!

Table Of Contents

What is International Mindedness?
Why is International Mindedness Important?
How to Develop International Mindedness at School?
Nurturing International Mindedness with UNIS IB Programme
FAQs about International Mindedness

What is International Mindedness?

According to the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), international mindedness refers to an attitude or character that evolves in an individual through the realisation of his or her relationship with other people in the world, as well as their roles within the global community. Additionally, it involves recognition and respect for cultural diversity and a willingness to learn from others’ perspectives.

International mindedness promotes working together to solve complex problems peacefully. It goes beyond passive acceptance of difference, ignites a sense of empathy, solidarity with others, and a belief in the importance of global justice.

Why is International Mindedness Important?

The interconnectedness of our world necessitates a shift in perspective. Fostering international mindedness develops a mindset of global integration without losing local identity. This outlook proves particularly valuable in two key areas: developing effective leadership skills and fostering meaningful relationships.

Improve future leading skills: Being open-minded prepares individuals for the future. A survey found that 97.6% of respondents believe an international mindset is crucial for navigating our interconnected world. Furthermore, international mindedness fosters a range of leadership-related skills, such as breaking down stereotypes, challenging assumptions, and adapting to diverse environments of cultural and ideological differences.
Develop relationships: International mindedness means forming meaningful connections by engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It prompts individuals to explore their cultural identities and assumptions, fostering openness to learning and growth and enriching their connections.

How to Develop International Mindedness at School?

Besides learning what international mindedness is in IB, this section will outline examples of international mindedness and actionable steps that can cultivate a globally aware and responsible student body.

Build an international mindedness school culture
Establish learner’s international mindedness attributes
Support staff’s professional development
Encourage language learning
Develop school’s learning approach

Build an International Mindedness School Culture

The formal leadership team plays a vital role in creating a school environment where international-mindedness is emphasised. Schools can implement various strategies to model a culture of this:

Vision and Policy: The leadership team enshrines international mindedness among the school’s core values and mission statement. This facilitates the integration of global perspectives across curricular programs and school activities.
Inclusive Decision-Making: Including everybody in the learning community, including students, staff, and parents from various backgrounds, will create a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to promoting international mindedness.
Modelling and Development: The leadership team enables both the school and its community to model, develop, and showcase international mindedness. This could involve staff professional development on integrating global themes into lessons, student-led initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity, or partnerships with schools overseas.

Establish Learner’s International Mindedness Attributes

International mindedness fosters a well-rounded learner prepared to navigate the interconnected world. Here’s how to cultivate these attributes:

Effective Communication: The ability to communicate effectively across cultures while being respectful is important. This includes fostering skills in various languages and communication styles.
Open-Mindedness and Knowledge: Being curious about different perspectives, as well as thirsting for knowledge concerning other nations, are essential. Students should question their assumptions and seek understanding beyond their experiences.
Compassion and Principled Thinking: Students should be capable of analysing situations ethically and considering the well-being of others.
Inquiry-Based Learning: A lifelong passion for learning and a better understanding of global issues are brought about by teachers encouraging students to question, investigate, and critically evaluate evidence.
Critical Reflection: The skills of students in identifying problems and opportunities in situations and presenting well-reasoned arguments prepare them to make decisions that will bring about positive change.
Action for Positive Change: International mindedness translates into action. Schools should empower students to take action steps, work together with others, and promote initiatives for intercultural understanding, caring relationships, and global well-being.
Growth Mindset: When learners are encouraged to view challenges and failures as stepping stones toward personal growth, both intellectually and personally, they can take calculated risks toward personal growth. This mindset leads to deeper self-understanding and understanding of others.

Support Staff’s Professional Development

In fostering a truly international-minded school environment, professional development opportunities for support staff must be compatible with faculty induction. By including staff in this process, schools can cultivate a more cohesive and impactful approach to international education.

Here’s how professional development programs can benefit support staff in fostering international mindedness:

Conceptual Understanding: Support staff benefit from exploring the core principles of international mindedness. This includes sessions that delve into the concept’s definition, its significance in today’s world, and its practical applications within the school setting.
Self-Reflection: It is important, though, that schools provide space for teachers to reflect on their cultural perspectives. This introspection helps teachers identify their personal development areas and become part of more inclusive school communities.
Collaborative Learning: Encouraging ideas exchange among support staff leads to a collaborative environment. Through workshops and discussions, staff can share best practices for integrating international-mindedness into their daily interactions with students and colleagues.

Encourage Language Learning

Schools foster international mindedness through language learning among their student bodies. This emphasis stems from the multifaceted benefits of language acquisition, both practical and cognitive.

Communication and Cognition: Multilingualism fosters effective communication across cultures, enhancing interpersonal skills. Furthermore, research suggests language learning strengthens cognitive functions, including memory and problem-solving.
Cultural Understanding: Language serves as a gateway to culture. By examining the intricacies of a language, students gain valuable insights into their cultural origins and others’ cultural backgrounds, fostering an appreciation for diverse perspectives.
The IB and International Mindedness: The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is actively supportive of multilingualism. Encouraging students to maintain their home languages while acquiring new ones demonstrates a commitment to this philosophy.

Develop School’s Learning Approach

A core purpose of education is to prepare people to be more aware and responsible. Schools can achieve this by adopting an approach that promotes internationally minded learning. This viewpoint underlines the importance of understanding and appreciating other cultures and promoting a sense of unity among people in a globalising world.

The United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi) and our implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme provide a valuable framework. The IB programme’s core philosophy aligns with international mindedness through two key concepts:

Reaching Out: Students are encouraged to question their cultural assumptions critically while respectfully interacting with others from different backgrounds.
Reaching In: Being inward-looking enables students to become self-aware while understanding their cultural identities within the broader global context.

Therefore, by incorporating these ideas into their curriculum, schools can create opportunities for students to engage in intercultural dialogue and cultivate empathy as well as commitment toward global cooperation.

Nurturing International Mindedness with UNIS IB Programme

Promoting international mindedness within schools equips students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to thrive in an interconnected world. This fosters global citizens who can appreciate diverse cultures, critically engage with global issues, and work collaboratively to solve shared challenges.

UNIS Hanoi, a pioneer of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes in Asia, offers a comprehensive framework to cultivate international mindedness. The IB curriculum emphasises critical thinking, intercultural communication, and global engagement, preparing students to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.

To explore how their IB programme can nurture international mindedness in your child and empower them to become a responsible global citizen, contact us today.

FAQs about International Mindedness

Now that we’ve defined international mindedness and outlined actionable steps, let’s address some common questions:

How Can The IB Programme Develop International Mindedness?

The IB programme fosters international mindedness by promoting intercultural understanding through diverse perspectives in coursework, multilingualism, and global engagement activities, all within a framework that emphasises open-mindedness, empathy, and action. Encouraging critical thinking and collaboration across cultures also equips them to become informed and responsible global citizens.

How does international mindedness benefit workplaces and organisations?

International mindedness brings a wider talent pool, fostering innovation with diverse perspectives. It allows for a better understanding of global markets, boosting competitiveness and customer satisfaction. This cultural awareness improves communication and teamwork, leading to a more successful organisation.

How important is it for parents to model international mindedness?

Very important. Parents are a child’s first teachers. By showing curiosity about other cultures, respecting differences, and embracing global connections, parents lay the foundation for open-minded and adaptable children thriving in our interconnected world.