Why did we select this activity, and why is it important?
Perspective-taking is an essential part of building global competency. Teaching students the skills of effective perspective-taking strengthens their ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, reflect on their own perspectives and biases, and critically think and problem solve. Global issues, ranging from hunger and poverty to climate and trade, are fantastically complex issues. Perspective taking skills are necessary to be able to critically examine our complex world.
How does it support the global competence of students?
Globally competent learners are adept at considering global problems and the behavior of others from multiple points of view. They are motivated to understand how one’s cultural traits influence their world views.
Why is perspective-taking important?
Taking on the perspectives of others helps us understand how differences in access (to wealth, power, knowledge, etc.) affects outcomes and opportunities, and how our own perspective is influenced by our own access and experiences. Global learners ask questions before making judgements and realize that, although diverse identities should be celebrated, people in all parts of the world have much in common (OECD/Asia Society, 2018).