Introduction
History isn’t just about dates and events — it’s about understanding our place in the world and how the past shapes our present. In the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), this idea comes alive through the Global Context “Orientation in Space and Time.”
This context helps students explore personal histories, human migration, discoveries, and the relationships between people, places, and time. It invites them to ask powerful questions like: Where do we come from? Where are we going? This article explores how teachers can use this Global Context to make history and geography engaging, personal, and deeply relevant in the MYP classroom.
What Is “Orientation in Space and Time”?
“Orientation in Space and Time” is one of the six IB MYP Global Contexts. It focuses on:
- Personal histories and journeys.
- The evolution of civilizations, exploration, and migration.
- Turning points and changes over time.
- The connections between people and places across eras.
It allows students to see history not as a distant narrative, but as a dynamic process that continues to influence today’s globalized world.
Guiding Question: What is the meaning of where and when?
Through this lens, students develop a deeper appreciation for identity, continuity, and transformation — key ideas that connect past events to modern challenges.
Why It Matters in the MYP
The IB’s goal is to develop globally aware learners who can think critically about time, space, and perspective. “Orientation in Space and Time” helps achieve this by:
- Encouraging reflection on how history shapes identity and culture.
- Promoting empathy through understanding multiple perspectives.
- Strengthening connections between geography, science, and the humanities.
- Helping students appreciate the relevance of historical inquiry to modern life.
In short, this Global Context turns history into a living subject — one that explains not only what happened, but why it matters now.
Applying the Context in the Classroom
1. Individuals and Societies (History and Geography)
This is where “Orientation in Space and Time” naturally thrives.
Example Units:
- Migration and Identity: How movement shapes cultural exchange and diversity.
- Exploration and Expansion: How geography influenced global trade and conflict.
- Urbanization Over Time: How cities evolved to reflect technological and social change.
Statement of Inquiry Example:
“The movement of people and ideas across space and time shapes societies and cultural identity.”
This approach helps students analyze patterns, connect events, and reflect on human progress.
2. Language and Literature
Through storytelling and literature, students can explore how historical context shapes identity and perspective.
Example Activities:
- Analyzing novels set in different eras to understand cultural attitudes.
- Writing diary entries from the point of view of historical figures or migrants.
- Comparing modern and historical speeches to study the evolution of rhetoric.
These tasks link literary analysis to historical understanding — reinforcing the idea that words preserve and interpret human experience across time.
3. Sciences
Even science connects to “Orientation in Space and Time.”
Example Applications:
- Studying the history of scientific discoveries and how they changed human understanding.
- Exploring climate change through geological and temporal analysis.
- Investigating how technological innovations evolve and influence societies.
This shows students that progress in science is part of humanity’s broader story of curiosity and innovation.
4. Arts
Art captures time and place through expression.
Example Projects:
- Recreating artwork styles from specific historical movements.
- Exploring how art reflects migration, memory, and cultural identity.
- Designing a visual timeline of art and architecture evolution.
Students learn that creativity is not timeless — it’s a reflection of human experience within history.
Linking to the Statement of Inquiry and Key Concepts
Teachers can pair this Global Context with powerful Key Concepts such as:
- Change: How societies transform across time.
- Culture: How identity and heritage evolve.
- Global Interactions: How events in one place influence others.
- Time, Place, and Space: Understanding geographical and temporal relationships.
By crafting a Statement of Inquiry that connects a Key Concept and a Related Concept to “Orientation in Space and Time,” teachers guide students toward meaningful, inquiry-based learning.
Example:
“Exploration across time and space leads to cultural exchange and innovation.”
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
This context lends itself perfectly to interdisciplinary projects, where students combine knowledge from multiple subjects to explore a single theme.
Example:
A project titled “Journeys of Change” might combine:
- Individuals and Societies: Historical migration routes.
- Sciences: The environmental factors influencing movement.
- Arts: Visual representations of migration stories.
Interdisciplinary learning like this helps students connect knowledge and develop broader understanding — a hallmark of MYP education.
Reflection and Assessment
Reflection questions help deepen understanding within this context:
- What can history teach us about current global issues?
- How do place and time shape human experiences?
- How has understanding the past changed your perspective on the present?
Assessments can include essays, multimedia projects, presentations, or exhibitions that demonstrate understanding of continuity, change, and perspective.
Conclusion
The “Orientation in Space and Time” Global Context brings history, geography, and human stories to life. It encourages MYP students to think critically about where they come from, how the past has shaped their world, and what responsibilities they have for the future.
By integrating this context into lessons, teachers can help students move beyond memorization — toward empathy, reflection, and a lasting appreciation for the complexity of human experience.
When learners understand their orientation in space and time, they gain not just knowledge, but wisdom about their place in an ever-evolving world.
