MYP’s Global Contexts
The Global Context of a unit adds flavor, enrichment and real-world relevance to the
curriculum in classes. This is the “spin” or direction that a teacher puts on a unit, giving focus
around something that matters to students, ranging from local issues to the greater global
environment. By finding issues and ideas that we all care about makes learning a natural, fluid
experience where teachers and students explore and uncover curriculum together.
For students; the Global Contexts help make content make sense in light of things that matter. The Global
Context should resonate with something inside of you, making learning a seamless part of your life. Global
Context provide strong connections between students and learning, leading to questions such as “where do
I fit in with the World?” and “How does this affect me?”
For teachers; students are more apt to be engaged if they are discussing material that has obvious ties to
their lives. The global contexts offer a variety of connections, ranging from personal relationships and
identity to globalization and fairness. By choosing a Global Context, new and interesting directions,
questions and conclusions may come about that you have never before explored!
Identities & Relationships
Orientation in Space & Time
Personal & Cultural Expression
The Global Context of Identities and
Relationships deals with the following:
identity; beliefs and values; personal,
physical, mental, social & spiritual health;
human relationships including families,
friends, communities and cultures; what it
means to be human.
The Global Context of Personal & Cultural
Expression deals with the following: the
ways in which we discover and express
ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and
values; the ways in which we reflect on,
extend and enjoy our creativity; our
appreciation of the aesthetic.
It may lead to questions such as…
The Global Context of Orientation in
Space & Time deals with the following:
personal histories; homes & journeys;
turning points in humankind; discoveries;
explorations and migrations of
humankind; the relationships between,
and the interconnectedness of, individuals
and civilizations, from personal, local and
global perspectives.
*Where do I fit it?
It may lead to questions such as…
*Who am I? Why am I this way?
*Who shaped me? Inspired me?
*Do I believe in competition or
cooperation?
*How do I feel about things?
*How do I impact the community? How
does it impact me?
It may lead to questions such as…
*How do I show what matters to me?
*What is the history of my people?
*What is important to my culture?
*What obligations do I have to the future?
*How does my culture shape what I
believe?
*What role do I play in the greater society?
*How did _____ change humankind
forever?
*How did our ancestors shape where we
are today?
*How did the past shape our present?
*How do I know when I’ve done
something good? Bad?
*Why is the creation such an alluring
experience?
*Why do we have different views of
beauty?
*Does what I believe match that of my
parents? Teachers? Community? Country?
Scientific & Technical Innovation
Globalization & Sustainability
Fairness & Development
The Global Context of Scientific &
Technical Innovation deals with the
following: the natural world and its laws;
the interaction between people and the
natural world; how humans use their
understanding of scientific principles; the
impact of scientific and technological
advances on communities and
environments; the impact of environments
on human activity; how humans adapt
environments to their needs
The Global Context of Globalization &
Sustainability deals with the following: the
interconnectedness of human-made
systems and communities; the relationship
between local & global processes; how
local experiences mediate the global;
reflect on the opportunities and tensions
provided by world-interconnectedness;
the impact of decision-making on
humankind and the environment.
The Global Context of Fairness &
Development deals with the following:
rights and responsibilities; the
relationships between communities;
sharing finite resources with other people
and with other living things; access to
equal opportunities; peace and conflict
resolution.
It may lead to questions such as…
It may lead to questions such as…
*Who ensures that I keep my rights?
It may lead to questions such as…
*How do we know what’s really happening
in the World?
*What do I deserve as a human? As a
citizen?
*Is “top-down” or “bottom-up” approaches
better for change?
*Am I obligated to sharing what I have
with others?
*Who is making the decisions that affect
our development?
*Should suburbs have to give back to the
cities?
*How does science and technology
influence politics?
*Who cares what China is doing?
*To what extent is success determined at
birth?
*Does knowing about the environment
lead to its control?
*How is my community impacted by State,
Country and Global affairs?
*Does competition lead to better results?
*How did our environmental wealth lead
to America’s economical domination?
*What responsibilities do corporations
have for sustainable development?
*Is humankind or Nature winning?
*What is the value in leaving Nature
alone?
*Is America’s technological development
in decline?
*Are countries and governments obligated
to share science and technical discoveries?
*Is cheaper always better?