MYP’s Global Contexts
The Global Context of a unit adds flavor, enrichment and real-world relevance to the curriculum in classes. This is the “spin” or direction that a teacher puts on a unit, giving focus around something that matters to students, ranging from local issues to the greater global environment. By finding issues and ideas that we all care about makes learning a natural, fluid experience where teachers and students explore and uncover curriculum together.
For students;the Global Contexts help make content make sense in light of things that matter. The Global Context should resonate with something inside of you, making learning a seamless part of your life. Global Context provide strong connections between students and learning, leading to questions such as “where do I fit in with the World?” and “How does this affect me?”
For teachers; students are more apt to be engaged if they are discussing material that has obvious ties to their lives. The global contexts offer a variety of connections, ranging from personal relationships and identity to globalization and fairness. By choosing a Global Context, new and interesting directions, questions and conclusions may come about that you have never before explored!
Identities & Relationships
The Global Context of Identities and Relationships deals with the following:identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social & spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; what it means to be human.
It may lead to questions such as…
*Where do I fit it?
*Who am I? Why am I this way?
*Who shaped me? Inspired me?
*Do I believe in competition or cooperation?
*How do I feel about things?
*How do I impact the community? How does it impact me?
Orientation in Space & Time
The Global Context of Orientation in Space & Time deals with the following: personal histories; homes & journeys; turning points in humankind; discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between, and the interconnectedness of, individuals and civilizations, from personal, local and global perspectives.
It may lead to questions such as…
*What is the history of my people?
*What obligations do I have to the future?
*What role do I play in the greater society?
*How did _____ change humankind forever?
*How did our ancestors shape where we are today?
*How did the past shape our present?
Personal & Cultural Expression
The Global Context of Personal & Cultural Expression deals with the following: the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
It may lead to questions such as…
*How do I show what matters to me?
*What is important to my culture?
*How does my culture shape what I believe?
*How do I know when I’ve done something good? Bad?
*Why is the creation such an alluring experience?
*Why do we have different views of beauty?
*Does what I believe match that of my parents? Teachers? Community? Country?
Scientific & Technical Innovation
The Global Context of Scientific & Technical Innovation deals with the following: the natural world and its laws; the interaction between people and the natural world; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments; the impact of environments on human activity; how humans adapt environments to their needs
It may lead to questions such as…
*Is humankind or Nature winning?
*What is the value in leaving Nature alone?
*Is America’s technological development in decline?
*How does science and technology influence politics?
*Does knowing about the environment lead to its control?
*How did our environmental wealth lead to America’s economical domination?
*Are countries and governments obligated to share science and technical discoveries?
Globalization & Sustainability
The Global Context of Globalization & Sustainability deals with the following: the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the relationship between local & global processes; how local experiences mediate the global; reflect on the opportunities and tensions provided by world-interconnectedness; the impact of decision-making on humankind and the environment.
It may lead to questions such as…
*How do we know what’s really happening in the World?
*Is “top-down” or “bottom-up” approaches better for change?
*Who is making the decisions that affect our development?
*Who cares what China is doing?
*How is my community impacted by State, Country and Global affairs?
*What responsibilities do corporations have for sustainable development?
Fairness & Development
The Global Context of Fairness & Development deals with the following: rights and responsibilities; the relationships between communities; sharing finite resources with other people and with other living things; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
It may lead to questions such as…
*Who ensures that I keep my rights?
*What do I deserve as a human? As a citizen?
*Am I obligated to sharing what I have with others?
*Should suburbs have to give back to the cities?
*To what extent is success determined at birth?
*Does competition lead to better results?
*Is cheaper always better?