Course: IBDP ( Literature Review of International Mindedness )
Why International Mindedness Matters?
Introduction
Since President Tsai published the “2030 Bilingual Policy” in 2018, the educational system in Taiwan has undergone significant changes in various ways. Firstly, in higher education, we have implemented “English as a Medium of Instruction.” English is now not only a language but also a tool for learning new things. Secondly, universities have started to train both bilingual and international teachers, offering Taiwanese educators the opportunity to compete internationally. Thirdly, experimental education has been flourishing across Taiwan, giving students the choice to follow the ROC Education System or explore international education systems like the IB. However, compared to foreign students, Taiwanese students still struggle to immerse themselves in other cultures quickly due to a lack of something important: “International Mindedness.” (IM)
“Why International Mindedness Matters?” According to the International Baccalaureate (IB) mission statement, the programs "encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right" (International Baccalaureate, n.d.). In my point of view, language is like a bridge that brings us closer, but to understand more deeply, you need to immerse yourself in the target culture, be aware of global issues, and demonstrate international competence. In this article, I will elaborate on the definition of International Mindedness and its core components. I will discuss the framework of International Mindedness and present research evidence on its importance and challenges.