Step 1. Cultural glasses 

Our past experiences may shape our perceptions and opinions of the world. We usually tend to judge and generalise, as if we were constantly wearing ‘cultural glasses’ through which we see the world. 

However, because our personal experiences are different, people’s ‘cultural glasses’ are not the same. In order to understand other people’s cultural glasses, respect their viewpoints and their perception of the world, you first need to be aware of yourself, your identity and cultural background. 

 

Think about how your personal experiences may influence your perceptions of the world.

 

Step 2. Identity checklist

Have a look at Annex I. Identity Checklist (Inspired by DICE Identity Wheel) and take some time to complete it. Which of these categories do you generally refer to when describing yourself?

As your students may lack appropriate linguistic competences, be ready to support them by explaining the importance that each category may have for each person’s identity and add some examples to each of them. 

 

Step 3. Reflection

Based on the identity checklist, think about: 

• Which elements of your identity and experience shape your ‘cultural glasses’?

• Which identities do you generally take for granted and not think about often?

• Do you feel you need to work more on specific identities to strengthen your awareness of them?

• Would you like to add any other aspect to the “Identity Checklist” in order to describe you better? 

 

Discuss these points together as a group. 

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Important: Be careful if some students seem uncomfortable with the activity as it implies sharing personal information.