In this activity, students explore how their perspectives are shaped by their experiences, assumptions, and emotions. By reflecting on a personal situation and working with guiding “mirror questions,” students learn to recognize their own viewpoint as one of many possible interpretations. Through sharing and listening to others without judgment, students practice perspective-taking and become more aware of how different experiences can lead to different understandings of the same situation.
- Activity goal
- Practice skills | Reflect
- When
- In class
- Where
- Offline
- Duration
- < 60 minutes
- Group size
- Small | Medium
Step-by-step plan
Step 1: Introduction
Explain to students that our opinions are often shaped by our experiences, assumptions, and emotions. In this activity, students will explore how their own perspective is formed and practice looking at situations from different viewpoints. Emphasize that perspective-taking is not about agreeing with others, but about recognizing that multiple interpretations can exist.
Step 2: Individual reflection
Ask students to think of a recent situation in which they had a strong opinion or reaction. Let them reflect individually using guiding questions. Explain that these questions help them see their own perspective as one lens among many.
Example questions:
- What shaped my view?
- Who might see this differently, and how?
- What assumptions am I making?
- Which part of my reaction reflects my own experiences rather than the situation itself?
- What emotions are influencing how I interpret this situation?
Step 3: Sharing perspectives in pairs
Pair students and ask them to share their reflections. Instruct them to listen without interrupting or judging. Encourage them to focus on understanding the other person’s perspective rather than responding or debating.
Afterwards, you can invite students to share plenary what they learned from hearing another perspective.
Example questions:
- What did you notice when hearing a different perspective?
- What question(s) can you ask yourself when you have a strong reaction?
- What else could be true in a situation like this?
Consider the tools and materials mentioned here as suggestions. In many cases it’s possible to use alternative tools. Please turn to the Learning & Innovation team of your faculty first to see which online and offline tools are available and how to apply them.
Offline
- Mirror questions
Tip 1
- Model reflection by sharing a short personal example.
Tip 2
- If students find it difficult to come up with situations, suggest everyday examples (e.g. group work, news, interactions with others) or bring 'back-up cases'.
