Developing learner profile traits and behaviors is a lifelong journey. Today is a good day to start. The IBO learner profile states open-minded learners “critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.”
Albert Bandura, Canadian-born American psychologist, best known for his work around social learning, demonstrated that just by observation a child has the opportunity to learn behaviors. This will later be considered when taking future actions. What is the child observing from you? How are you modeling open-mindedness?
Being open-minded entails respecting histories, values, perspectives, cultures, and traditions of others. We are part of a global community and an open mind along with appreciation and tolerance is essential. Reading open-minded themed books (with an open-mind) and followed by conversations will help learners acquire vocabulary, make connections and develop open-mindedness.