Perspective Seeking/Multiple Perspectives
Overview
Perspective seeking is different from perspective taking as it involves communication with the purpose of gaining insight into the nuances of alternate views. Perspective seeking is key to developing a Learner Mindset and essential in the digital world where algorithms are easily trained to provide information that confirms a person's views rather than providing alternative perspectives. Understanding that different individuals may experience and view the same event differently is a higher level cognitive skill that develops in adolescence and throughout adulthood. When adult learners navigate varying perspectives, they deepen their understanding of events and the concepts involved. This can strengthen Foundational Reading Skills and support learning for those whose Primary Language is not English.
Use It In Your Learning Environment
Instructors can promote perspective seeking by building in discussions across regions, experiences, and backgrounds and helping learners utilize open-ended questions. It is important to be mindful of promoting authentic conversation that is supportive of the learner's Background Knowledge. To support Digital Literacy, it is important for adults to have tools to help identify misinformation and disinformation while actively seeking information across sources and viewpoints. Instructors can guide discussions to promote deeper thinking and critical analysis.
Digital tools that promote discussion and immediate feedback can be useful in supporting learners as they seek multiple perspectives. Commenting capabilities allow other learners to pose opposing or alternate viewpoints for discussion. Digital tools can also provide nudges and reminders to seek multiple perspectives in online searches and social media to ensure their feeds do not create echo chambers.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Metacognitive Supports Strategies
When annotating, learners engage deeply with a text and make their thinking visible while reading, which supports Foundational Reading Skills.
Setting overall goals with actionable steps for achievement can help learners feel more confident in their abilities and help minimize procrastination-related behaviors.
Journaling allows learners to reflect on their thinking and feelings, process their learning, and connect new information to what they know and their practical experiences.
Pairing non-examples with examples helps learners compare and contrast to deepen understanding at both the concept and skill levels.
Positive self-talk can support self-efficacy, optimism, Self-regulation, and a Learner Mindset.
Reflection can take place throughout learning, supporting critical thinking and Problem Solving skills when learners actively question assumptions, and after learning experiences to support Metacognition.
When adults monitor their comprehension, performance, and use of strategies when learning they become more invested in their work, build their Metacognition, and actively participate in the process.
