What are some ways to incorporate international perspectives into your lesson plans?

1 Use global examples and case studies

When teaching concepts, skills, or topics, you can use examples and case studies from different countries and regions to illustrate them. For example, if you are teaching about climate change, you can show how it affects different ecosystems and communities around the world. If you are teaching about fractions, you can use examples of how different cultures use them in their daily life, such as cooking, music, or art. Using global examples and case studies can help your students see the relevance and diversity of what they are learning and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2 Invite guest speakers and experts

Another way to incorporate international perspectives into your lesson plans is to invite guest speakers and experts who can share their knowledge and experience with your students. You can invite speakers from local or online communities, such as immigrants, refugees, exchange students, diplomats, activists, researchers, or professionals. You can also connect with other educators and classrooms around the world through platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Global Classroom. Inviting guest speakers and experts can help your students learn from authentic sources and engage in dialogue and collaboration with different perspectives and backgrounds.

3 Incorporate multicultural literature and media

A third way to incorporate international perspectives into your lesson plans is to incorporate multicultural literature and media into your curriculum. You can choose books, stories, poems, films, documentaries, podcasts, or websites that feature diverse characters, settings, themes, and issues from around the world. You can also encourage your students to create their own multicultural literature and media projects, such as writing a story, making a video, or designing a website. Incorporating multicultural literature and media can help your students develop their literacy and media skills and appreciate the richness and complexity of different cultures and identities.

4 Explore global issues and challenges

A fourth way to incorporate international perspectives into your lesson plans is to explore global issues and challenges that affect the world today. You can choose issues and challenges that are relevant to your subject and grade level, such as human rights, poverty, health, education, peace, or sustainability. You can also align your lessons with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. Exploring global issues and challenges can help your students understand the interconnectedness and interdependence of the world and develop their empathy and action skills.

5 Celebrate diversity and inclusion

A fifth way to incorporate international perspectives into your lesson plans is to celebrate diversity and inclusion in your classroom and school. You can do this by creating a welcoming and respectful learning environment that values and supports the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs of your students and their families. You can also organize activities and events that celebrate the cultural diversity and heritage of your students and the wider community, such as festivals, fairs, exhibitions, or performances. Celebrating diversity and inclusion can help your students develop their self-esteem and social skills and foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for others.

6 Reflect and evaluate

A sixth way to incorporate international perspectives into your lesson plans is to reflect and evaluate your own practice and your students' learning. You can do this by asking yourself and your students questions such as: What did we learn about the world and ourselves? How did we challenge our assumptions and stereotypes? How did we communicate and collaborate with others? How did we apply our learning to our own context and situation? How can we improve our practice and learning? Reflecting and evaluating can help you and your students monitor your progress and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?