Being open-minded means being willing to listen to and consider new ideas, experiences, and viewpoints, even if they differ from one's own beliefs. It involves being receptive to other perspectives, while still maintaining the ability to think critically. Schools are ideal environments where students have opportunities to listen to and respect different perspectives.
The All About Being Open-minded handout is designed to help clients expand their perspectives, and explains what open-mindedness is and what it isn’t. It outlines the qualities of an open-minded person and offers advice on how to improve this trait. Tips include accepting one’s flaws, and appreciating their own culture while still being open to the values and traditions of others.
Learning open-mindedness helps kids and teens develop better interpersonal relationships and engage in more constructive conversations. Caring adults may offer additional support by suggesting books or watching documentaries that cover a wide range of viewpoints and cultures.
This handout pairs well with our Open-Minded Worksheets.
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References:
- Arpaly, N. (2011). Open-mindedness as a moral virtue. American Philosophical Quarterly, 48(1), 75-85.
- Emlen Metz, S., Baelen, R. N., & Yu, A. (2020). Actively open‐minded thinking in American adolescents. Review of Education, 8(3), 768-799. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3232
- Trültzsch-Wijnen, C. W. (2020). Conclusion: Sensitivity and open-mindedness are needed. Media Literacy and the Effect of Socialization, 305-310. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56360-8_8
- Verducci, S. (2019). Critical thinking and open-mindedness in polarized times. Encounters in Theory and History of Education, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.24908/encounters.v20i1.13446
