Global Citizenship Education

Guiding Principle 1. Unlearning and Reconstructing

Question what we know and make space for different ways of thinking.

What is Unlearning and Reconstructing?

In Global Citizenship Education (GCE), "unlearning" and "reconstructing" are critical processes aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness and promoting more equitable worldviews.

Unlearning involves being open to critically examining and shedding ingrained biases, stereotypes and assumptions that have been shaped by a person's cultural, social and educational background. This step is crucial for recognising and deconstructing the dominant narratives that often perpetuate inequalities and hinder global understanding.

Reconstructing, on the other hand, is the process of building new perspectives and knowledge frameworks that are more inclusive, diverse and reflective of global realities. It promotes a more empathetic and socially responsible outlook, empowering individuals to actively engage in creating a just and sustainable world.

Together, these processes enable learners to become more effective global citizens by challenging their own worldviews and embracing a more comprehensive, interconnected approach to understanding global issues.

Before taking on any GCE topic, ask these questions:

  1. Where do we get our information from? Whose voices do we not hear?
  2. How can we create a world that is just and sustainable for all?

Unlearning and Reconstructing will take time because:

  • You may have to change your mind the more you learn about an issue
  • You will learn more about different perspectives
  • You may have to challenge mainstream views
  • You will need to recognise and counter stereotypes
  • You will need to seek under-represented voices

When you ‘Unlearn’ and ‘Reconstruct’ it may involve critically examining and challenging deeply embedded aspects of your environment. Here are some resources that may help you unlearn and reconstruct.

Resource

The Digging Deeper Model: The ‘Digging Deeper Model’ provides a framework to ask critical questions to uncover root causes to issues.

Activities

  • Hot Air Balloon Game:  This game illustrates how increased knowledge and education can lead to changing perspectives, and it shows that as you learn more about a topic, it's okay to change your mind.
  • Analysing Images, Challenging Stereotypes lesson plan: Activities to encourage  critical thinking with media images, and to challenge stereotypes relating to ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ countries.

Video

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED video: In this 19 minute video, novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice - and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.

Examples of What Schools Are Doing to Explore Unlearning and Reconstructing

John Scottus Secondary school, Dublin

Theme: Migration

Students are now more aware of the benefits of migration for society (fiscal, economic and benefits to the service sector). They are better educated about the hardship migrants face in travelling to Ireland and why they take such risks to seek a better life. We heard stories from 'Iamamigrant.org' and have invited a speaker to speak to us from one of our local direct provision centres.
Timothy Telford, teacher