Blair’s IB Learner Characteristic for January is Open Minded
Open minded learners are open to perspectives, values and traditions of others, and seek and evaluate other points of view.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) approach applies ten characteristics to describe an IB learner. As an IB World School, at Blair all students, staff and teachers strive to demonstrate the attributes of Inquirer, Thinker, Caring, Balanced, Knowledgeable, Open Minded, Risk taker, Communicator, Reflective and Principled.
This “IB Learner Profile” also demonstrates how the IB approach is about much more than academic success. Each month at Blair one characteristic is highlighted. For the month of January we are focusing on Open Minded.
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
IB students have a deep understanding of various cultures and views, bringing an appreciation of new views to both their academic study and their involvement in local and wider communities. Their international mindedness complements the missions of the best tertiary institutions.
An Open-Minded student knows that all people are different. They listen to the points of view of others and consider many possibilities before making a decision. They celebrate the differences that make all people unique.
• Encourage students to try new things – new foods, new games and new activities.
• Expose students to different festivals, celebrations and traditions and be sure to present them in a non-judgmental way.
• Encourage students to really listen to others when they speak.
• Introduce literature about many different cultures into your home library. Be sure that it is appropriate and reflects the culture in an appropriate way.
• Introduce students to other countries, cultures, and global issues.
Other ideas to encourage Open Minded students:
• respect and consider the perspectives of others.
• ask questions to discover more information
• eager to learn new things
• reflect on their own learning and the ideas of others
• react positively to constructive feedback
• act with honesty and sympathy
• problem solve
• listen attentively
• are open to ideas of others and new approaches
There are many benefits to teaching perspectives and helping your students to view their life with an open mind. Open-mindedness gives students the ability to:
• embrace different points of view
• listen to and consider the perspectives of others before making a decision
• understand new ideas and experiences broaden their mind and challenge their thinking
• understand mistakes or failure leads to a deeper understanding
• be eager to learn new things and build on existing knowledge, even if it challenges existing views
• be honest, understanding they don’t know everything and can admit it
• know the first answer is correct and will search for alternatives before settling on an answer
• be an effective team player and collaborator
• be fair and objective, building trust with others.
• handle constructive feedback, understanding they learn from their mistakes.
Blair is an IB World School with three IB programs. The Middle Years Programme is all students grades 6-10. The Diploma Programme is offered for 11th and 12th graders, with the option of pursuing the full Diploma or individual course certificates. In the Career-related Programme, Health Careers Academy students integrate IB Diploma courses with their technical training and other requirements.
Blair High School, 1201 S. Marengo Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 396-5820 or visit www.pusd.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=55.
