By Neil Bunting
One of the attributes of the IB Learner Profile is ‘caring’ with a focus on empathy, respect and compassion, plus a commitment to service and making a positive difference to others.
Compassion and humility are caring characteristics expected of an IB learner and aligned with the belief that students studying an IB programme seek to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Why be humble? How can being humble help? How can we help our learners to develop humility?
First of all we need to educate our students that humility has nothing to do with being meek or shy. It’s about using emotional intelligence.
We also need to educate children—as future leaders—that research shows that people in leadership positions who exercise humility are not weak and passive, they are shrewd and have a more engaged workforce, with less turnover. Simply, if you show a genuine interest in people, they are much more likely to want to work with you and contribute.
Our students need to learn that humble people know their self-worth and have nothing to prove. Humble folk make difficult decisions with ease. They consider and respect others’ views and work on a basis of shared purpose not self-interest. They are good listeners. They are sensitive and show situational awareness.
Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch, the fictitious father in Harper Lee’s masterpiece To Kill a Mockingbird, embodies many admirable attributes, but what strikes most readers is his humility. His total lack of crowing about his own considerable qualities. Atticus, in the humblest most unobtrusive way, is a caring father, community member and lawyer. He drums in to his children the importance of service, of helping others, of showing empathy, respect and compassion.
Although Atticus’ character has been presented very differently in the surprise follow-up to Lee’s famous novel, there is much for students to learn from his representation in the original book.
Such is Atticus’ confidence in his own ability, he feels no need to brag that he is the best marksman in the county, or about his many other attributes. Even his own children are unaware of his talents. He is often referred to as a true gentleman.
The name is Neil.
One of the greatest accolades about Neil Armstrong: the astronaut, was for his humility, calling him ‘A humble giant’.
It would be fair to say that the first man to walk on the moon would have plenty to brag about to the world. Plenty of mileage for interviews, chat shows and ways of gaining from his fame. Yet he led a low-profile life, he strongly believed in selflessly serving a cause bigger than himself by taking a teacher post when he came back down to earth. He was a world famous astronaut, but very grounded.
It is crucial that young learners analyse and compare these kind of role models with those inhabiting the media-spun world in which they are growing up.
Social media and the selfie
How does the current world climate and the cult of the ‘selfie’ fit with humility? Are we more self-centered and arrogant than ever before? Or does information technology make us more appreciative and understanding of others’ plight? These are the kinds of questions that students need to explore.
Educators have a responsibility for raising and debating these issues and analysing the self-aggrandizing practices of some celebrities and sports personalities.
We need to be educating learners that the ‘higher’ you go, the more humble you need to be. There are many good reasons that we show good grace when living a low profile life.
As a life skill, we should be equipping our learners with a very clear understanding of the importance of humility. We also should be highlighting the dangers of excess and avarice; the privileges that our students often have compared to others, which they take for granted.
Caring and compassion through the International Baccalaureate
The IB programmes emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion and respect. However, it doesn’t just pay lip service*. All students from primary to secondary school are required to develop a commitment to service and to explore how they can make a positive difference in the world by taking action and displaying humility.
*Definition: To pay lip service – a verbal expression of agreement or allegiance, unsupported by real conviction or action.
Neil Bunting is the Head of Secondary Programme at Greenfield Community School – a Taaleem school. Watch out for more posts from Neil as he explores common themes that weave through all IB programmes.