S1. C12. What does it mean by: Becoming Global Citizens?

Students can evolve as much as their education system evolves. And evolution begins with experimenting with change

In a world grappling with the challenges of an uncertain future, a team of educators, thinkers, and innovators embarked on a bold journey to redefine education. Their mission was clear: to shift the focus from traditional metrics like test scores and skillsets to the deeper, more transformative development of mindsets.

The journey began with a keen observation. Across the globe, parents and schools seemed to be locked in a relentless race for academic excellence. Schools boasted about their students’ achievements in standardized tests, and parents invested heavily in education, viewing it as a gateway to international opportunities. Yet, beneath this pursuit lay a troubling gap—students, despite their academic success, were ill-equipped to face the rapidly evolving demands of a globalized world. The ability to adapt, reflect, and thrive in unpredictable environments was missing.

“The problem is that traditional education focuses on what you know, not who you are,” the team often remarked during discussions. They were united by a conviction: it was time to change the system. With this shared vision, they began exploring ways to integrate mindset development into education, blending technology, behavioral insights, and real-world applications.

The Vision of Global Citizenship

One of the team’s primary goals was to foster global citizenship. They envisioned a world where students weren’t just prepared for exams but were equipped to navigate the complexities of a diverse and interconnected world. This idea resonated deeply with many schools School in Vietnam. Parents there, eager to send their children abroad for better opportunities, recognized the need for their children to develop broader cultural awareness and adaptability.

“In Vietnam,” they explained, “parents are investing heavily in their children’s education as a pathway to migration. But to succeed abroad, these kids need more than academic skills. They need to understand themselves and others on a deeper level.” This insight formed the foundation of the team’s efforts to integrate character and mindset development into educational frameworks.

Experimenting with Change

The team’s approach was rooted in bold experimentation. They collaborated with schools to introduce innovative tools and methods, including gamified learning experiences and AI-powered mindset reports. One of their flagship initiatives involved the use of NFC-based flashcards and challenges designed to measure and develop traits like empathy, critical thinking, and resilience.

For example, a challenge might prompt a student to help someone in need and reflect on the experience. The system would analyze their responses, providing insights into their emotional intelligence and decision-making processes. These reports weren’t just static assessments; they were dynamic tools that helped students understand their growth areas and chart paths for improvement.

Yet, change didn’t come easily. Schools, deeply entrenched in traditional systems, often resisted these new ideas. Teachers, overwhelmed by existing workloads, struggled to adapt to the demands of innovative methods. “We created a hornet’s nest,” the team admitted. “But disruption was necessary to push for operational excellence.”

Why Not Start with Developed Societies?

A recurring question posed to the team was why they chose to focus on developing societies instead of more modern, developed nations where mindset development might be more valued. Their response was layered with thoughtful reasoning.

“First,” they explained, “mindset cannot yet be measured by any international standards. What we have today are tools to measure personality, which often place people into predefined boxes. By perpetuating these boxes, we risk creating the very divides we wish to eliminate. Our work seeks to go beyond these limitations.”

They also pointed out that developed nations often have a lot more to lose from systemic change. “Their structures are deeply established, and large-scale disruption could destabilize their existing systems. For this reason, they prefer incremental transformation, which requires strong proof of concept before adoption.”

In contrast, they found that societies with a greater need for survival and an ambition to make their mark on the international stage were more open to embracing challenges. “In places like Vietnam,” they shared, “there is a hunger for progress and an openness to innovation because the stakes are higher. These environments provide the perfect ground for piloting transformative ideas.”

The Power of Stories and Reflection

Amid these challenges, the team discovered the transformative power of storytelling and reflection. They began publishing newsletters filled with thought-provoking articles and challenges. These served as both educational tools and platforms for sparking meaningful conversations. Readers who engaged with the content were invited to reflect on their own behaviors and choices, fostering a culture of self-awareness and continuous learning.

One particularly impactful story involved a young man from Vietnam whose mother had invested heavily in his education abroad. Despite earning a degree in hospitality management, he returned home aimless and overwhelmed by life’s pressures. “He was scared of life,” the team shared. “It wasn’t his skills that failed him, but his mindset.” Stories like this underscored the urgent need for mindset-first education, inspiring the team to push forward despite the obstacles.

Gamifying Education for the Future

One of the team’s most ambitious projects was the development of a gamified educational tool called Tap Tap. Using NFC cards, the tool engaged students in a variety of challenges, from addressing bullying in schools to helping strangers in their communities. Each interaction was meticulously tracked and analyzed, providing real-time feedback on the participants’ behaviors and mindsets.

“It’s not just about completing tasks,” the team explained. “It’s about reflecting on those experiences and understanding how they shape you.” The tool was still in its testing phase, but early results showed promise. Students who participated in the program demonstrated noticeable improvements in empathy, problem-solving, and resilience compared to their peers.

Scaling the Vision

While the team’s experiments yielded promising results, they knew that scaling their vision required broader support. They began aligning their efforts with global frameworks like the UNESCO guidelines and the UN Sustainability Goals. “We’re not just trying to transform education,” they emphasized. “We’re trying to create a movement.”

Their ultimate goal was to present their findings to international bodies, advocating for a global shift toward mindset-first education. Along the way, they continued to refine their tools and frameworks, preparing for larger-scale implementation.

A Leap of Faith - or is it?

As the journey unfolded, the team’s belief in their mission only deepened. They recognized that real change would take time and persistence. “Dreams start small,” they often reflected. “But with passion and intensity, they grow.”

Their work was a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. Through storytelling, gamification, and bold experimentation, they were reimagining what education could be. And though the road ahead remained uncertain, they moved forward with unwavering determination, driven by the hope of creating a world where every individual was equipped not just to succeed, but to thrive as a global citizen.

In the words of the team, “Education isn’t just about preparing for the future; it’s about shaping it. And to shape it, we must start with the mind. It’s a journey”