Slide Deck 1A: Values, Beliefs & Perspectives

Is the glass half-full or half empty?

What feelings do you have about homelessness?

A civic issue (or political issue) is a topic or subject that people speak about because it affects society as a whole and, often there are multiple opinions on various sides of any given issue.

Opinions and Perspectives An opinion is your belief about a particular issue or topic. Opinions are personal, subjective and formed by our values, knowledge and perspectives. Not everyone will have the same opinion about the most important issue facing the school community, but there is no right or wrong opinion A perspective is a viewpoint or an outlook, a way of looking at things. Our perspectives are shaped by who we are and our environment. High school students may have a different perspective about life priorities than their parents

Your Values and Worldview Your worldview is your outlook on life and the world, and how you interpret events on a daily basis. Your worldview relates to your values, which are your principles or standards of behaviour and priorities in life.

What different views do you think people could have on homelessness and the role of government? Teacher Notes: have a discussion about this question. The answers will vary and that will lead students to understanding what the concept of Political Perspective means - which is explained on the next slide.

WHAT IS POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE? Who Am I? Where Am I? PERSONAL BELIEFS AND VALUES What do you believe is right and wrong? What do you think is the best way to live your life? What have you learned from your experiences? COMMUNITIES OF PLACE Where are you from? Where do you live and work or go to school? What issues are important in your family and community? POLITICAL IDEOLOGY What do you think about the role of governments and how they should work? COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST What issues do you care most about? Who else shares your concerns? Where and when do you meet? Teacher Note: The concept of Political Perspective requires students to analyse the beliefs and values of various groups, including different governments, in local, national, and/or global communities. Students analyse how these beliefs and values, as well as political ideologies, can affect one’s position on or response to issues of civic importance. Students also develop their awareness of how stakeholder groups with different perspectives can influence the policies and platforms of political parties and the decisions of governments.

What if your beliefs, values and ideologies are different from someone else’s? Who is right?

What is the relationship between people’s beliefs and values and their position on civic issues?