To achieve Step 12, individuals will have to show that they can think about where differences in perspectives might come from.
In the previous step, the focus was on recognising and comparing different standpoints. This step builds on this by encouraging individuals to think more deeply about where diverse views come from, the better build empathy and understanding.
The building blocks of this step are learning:
To teach this step:
This step can be reinforced effectively by encouraging learners to take a more critical approach to how they take in information and assess different perspectives. When they read differing accounts or opinion pieces, they can be challenged to analyse what they see as causing those differences.
This step is best assessed through a structured analysis task, either based around something that is topical in current affairs or related to their wider subject learning. Learners can be asked to either discuss or write about a comparison of perspectives, and their analysis of where those different perspectives come from. The teacher is looking for evidence of the learner identifying and exploring some of the layers above.
This step is relevant to individuals who use their listening skills to understand different perspectives on a complex issue and make decisions about what to do next.
To build this step in the work environment, managers could:
There are plenty of opportunities for building this skill in the workplace:
For those already employed, this step is best assessed through questioning. For instance:
During the recruitment process, this step could be assessed by:
We work with a wide range of organisations, who use the Skills Builder approach in lots of different settings – from youth clubs, to STEM organisations, to careers and employability providers.
We have a lot of materials available to support you to use the Skills Builder Universal Framework with the individuals you work with, including:
We also do a lot of work with organisations who join the Skills Builder Partnership to build the Universal Framework into their work and impact measurement systems. You can find out a lot more using the links below.
As an individual, you might be thinking about how best to support your own essential skills. The good news is that there is lots that you can do that will have a big impact, including:
We’ve developed a whole series of tools and resources to help you to build these skills, including:
As a parent or carer, you might be thinking about how best to support your children to build their essential skills. The good news is that there is lots that you can do that will have a big impact, including:
We’ve developed a whole series of tools and resources to help parents to build these skills, including:
There is also content for older children and young people, including short activities and reflections that they can complete alone, or with you.