Global Competency: How to Build Cultural Self-awareness

Participate Learning’s mission is to connect students and educators through global learning experiences, ensuring that all students have meaningful educational opportunities. But what does global learning look like in practice? What skills and mindsets should students develop as a result of a globally-focused education? How do students grow into engaged members of their communities with a broader understanding of the world?

To help schools and educators answer these questions, Participate Learning has developed ten global competencies for students. Strengthening these competencies helps students become leaders who observe the world, feel connected to others, and take action within their communities.

This is the first in a series of blog posts exploring each global competency in detail, with practical applications for the classroom. The first global competency we will examine is self-awareness.

Skills and Attitudes of Self-Aware Students

Self-aware students reflect on their own perspectives, choices, and attitudes, recognizing how their personal experiences have shaped them over time. They take responsibility for their viewpoints while remaining open to learning more about the world.

As students develop this competency, they begin to understand that their perspective is one of many. They recognize that a person’s outlook is shaped by various influences, such as geography, family traditions, language, and personal history. They no longer see their own way of life as the standard but rather as one perspective among many.

Self-aware students also recognize that identities are complex. A single person can hold multiple roles at once, such as being a sibling, a friend, and a professional. They understand that their identity is shaped by their experiences and that learning about themselves helps them better appreciate others.

Building Self-Awareness Through Global Learning

Educators can help students develop self-awareness through age-appropriate activities that encourage reflection. Understanding their own perspectives allows students to engage with others in meaningful and respectful ways.

One way to introduce this concept is by defining what culture is. Culture includes visible aspects, such as clothing or holidays, as well as deeper influences, such as beliefs, values, and traditions. These are often categorized as surface culture (what we can easily observe) and deep culture (the values and customs that shape individuals and communities).

A useful visual for this concept is the cultural iceberg model. The visible part of the iceberg above the water represents aspects of culture that are easy to see, while the larger, hidden portion below the surface represents the deeper elements of culture that require more effort to understand. This analogy helps students recognize that much of what shapes people’s lives is not immediately visible.

Use this lesson plan to help students explore surface culture and deep culture through discussion and reflection.

Creating a Classroom That Encourages Self-Awareness

A classroom library with a well-rounded selection of books is another powerful way to build self-awareness. When students see characters with experiences similar to their own, they feel valued and respected. Books also introduce students to cultures and perspectives they may not have encountered before, fostering curiosity and a sense of connection to the world.

Strive to include books that reflect your students’ backgrounds while also exposing them to new viewpoints. This helps cultivate a learning environment where every student feels seen and encouraged to explore different perspectives.

Another effective strategy is story circles, where students share personal stories in small groups using guided prompts. This exercise helps students practice active listening while reflecting on their own experiences. When done in a supportive environment, storytelling fosters empathy and curiosity about others.

The First Step Toward Global Awareness

Helping students build self-awareness is an important step in preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the world. By integrating a global perspective into everyday learning, educators provide students with opportunities to explore their own identities and develop a deeper understanding of others.

Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts exploring additional global competencies! We’d love to hear how you are fostering self-awareness in your classroom. Share your lessons and activities on social media using #UnitingOurWorld.