International Mindedness In A Pluralistic Society With No Social Cohesion

Abstract

Due to the globalized nature of today’s society, international mindedness has become increasingly important in today’s world. Schools all over the globe strive to incorporate international mindedness into their curricula as it helps to create a more inclusive and tolerant learning environment for students of all backgrounds. It also helps to develop students’ global awareness and understanding of other cultures and ways of life. By teaching students about different perspectives and cultures, they are better equipped to work with others from different backgrounds and strive for a more peaceful and just world. Additionally, fostering international mindedness in the classroom can help students to develop the skills they need to succeed in a globalized world, such as strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. This study examines the fostering of international mindedness in Lebanon, a pluralistic society with no social cohesion. It addresses the challenges that arise from such diversity in a country with multiple religious and ethnic groups. In particular, the study examines the impact of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) as a vehicle for international mindedness in Lebanon. A mixed methods approach, involving both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used in the research to gain better insight into the degree to which international mindedness is hindered by a lack of social cohesion in Lebanon. The study concluded that the lack of social cohesion did have a negative effect on the ability to foster international mindedness in IBDP classes in Lebanon. The results of this study provide an important insight into the challenges faced when attempting to foster international mindedness in a society with no social cohesion. The findings suggest that the lack of social cohesion can hinder the fostering of international mindedness in such a society, and further research is needed to explore the deep-seated reasons for this. Additionally, the results can be used to inform the development of policies and strategies for promoting international mindedness in societies with no social cohesion.