The Transformative Impact of RealLives on Gunseo School: A Journey Towards Global Citizenship and Empathy

"RealLives aims to help critical thinking and fusion skills and understanding of various cultures. Cultivate cultural competence and transformative competence to act as agents of change so that the society in which students live becomes a better world." - Ms. Kim Kyungsuk, Mathematics Teacher, Gunseo Global School.

In recent years, Gunseo Global School in South Korea has witnessed a profound transformation in its students, thanks to the integration of the RealLives simulation program. This innovative educational tool has not only enhanced students' understanding of global issues but also fostered empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to social justice. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Gunseo School with RealLives, highlighting the significant impact it has had on the students and the broader school community.

Introduction to RealLives at Gunseo School

In 2020, Kyungsuk Kim, a passionate educator who had previously conducted RealLives classes at Goyang Global School, joined Gunseo Global School. Recognizing the potential of RealLives to facilitate global citizenship education, Kim introduced the program to Gunseo in 2022, integrating it into the course "Understanding the World through Big Data." This marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship between Gunseo Global School and myself, the visionary developer of RealLives.

The Vision Behind RealLives

As an Ashoka Fellow and the driving force behind the RealLives Foundation, I visited Gunseo School in October 2022. My visit was pivotal in strengthening the school's commitment to using RealLives as a tool for social impact. I shared my journey, the reasons for creating RealLives, and my vision for a more empathetic and socially aware world. My interaction with the students sparked a deeper interest in social issues and inspired many to engage with the program more meaningfully.

RealLives in Gunseo School's Curriculum

RealLives was initially incorporated into various subjects, including "Understanding the World through Big Data," "International Research Project," "Mathematics," "English Composition," "Basic English Conversation," and "Expressing Thoughts." In these classes, students engaged with the simulation to explore diverse lives and social issues, linking their experiences to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the "Expressing Thoughts" class, students experienced the life of a boy from Ghana through RealLives. They set SDGs such as poverty alleviation and hunger eradication as their primary goals, investigating how to achieve these objectives. This exercise culminated in the creation of picture books depicting their life stories, which profoundly moved their peers and sparked discussions on the importance of working towards the SDGs.

Breaking Language Barriers

Initially, RealLives was primarily accessible to students proficient in English due to its interface. However, the creation of a Korean version in 2023 democratized access, allowing all students to benefit from the program regardless of their English proficiency. This development was a game-changer for Gunseo School, enabling a broader segment of the student body to engage with the simulation and its lessons.

RealLives and Empathy Building

RealLives has significantly contributed to building empathy among students. In English classes run by Elspeth Oxley and Jinwon Choi, RealLives was instrumental in expanding students' vocabulary and improving their ability to express thoughts in English. This empathetic understanding of diverse lives and cultures has been at the core of the program's success at Gunseo School.

RealLives and Literacy

In 2024, literacy classes at Gunseo School saw students turning their RealLives experiences into storybooks using book creator tools. This initiative aligned with the school's goal of fostering global citizenship and provided a creative outlet for students to express their understanding of global issues and empathy.

A Catalyst for Social Innovation

One of the most significant outcomes of the RealLives program at Gunseo School is the inspiration it has provided to students to pursue social innovation. In 2024, an 11th-grade student embarked on a one-month online internship with the RealLives Foundation, motivated by the work and vision of the RealLives program. This opportunity not only allowed the student to gain valuable experience but also highlighted the potential of RealLives to inspire the next generation of social innovators.

Global School Collaboration Projects

Looking ahead, the RealLives Foundation is committed to facilitating global school collaboration projects. While there have not yet been specific collaborative projects with schools in Thailand, the potential for such initiatives is immense. The RealLives Foundation team is dedicated to connecting schools using RealLives globally, fostering a shared empathetic experience among students worldwide. These School-2-School collaboration projects aim to broaden students' perspectives and deepen their understanding of global issues through collective learning experiences.

Challenges and Future Potential

Despite its successes, the implementation of RealLives at Gunseo School has faced challenges. The primary hurdle has been the limited understanding of the program's potential by some teachers and students. As a result, RealLives is currently used in a limited number of classes. However, there is a strong belief that if more teachers, especially those in Social Studies and Science, incorporate RealLives into their lessons, the program could become an excellent educational tool for global citizenship education aligned with the UN's 17 SDGs.

Conclusion

The journey of Gunseo Global School with RealLives is a testament to the transformative power of innovative educational tools. Through RealLives, students have gained a deeper understanding of global issues, developed empathy for diverse cultures, and committed themselves to social justice. As the school continues to integrate RealLives into its curriculum, the potential for fostering global citizenship and empathy among students remains immense.

RealLives has not only enriched the academic experience at Gunseo School but also prepared students to become compassionate and informed global citizens. This program exemplifies how education can be a powerful catalyst for social change, inspiring the next generation to work towards a better and more equitable world.

Acknowledgements

The success of RealLives at Gunseo School would not have been possible without the dedication of the teachers and the support of the RealLives Foundation. Special thanks to Kyungsuk Kim, Elspeth Oxley, and Jinwon Choi for their unwavering commitment to integrating RealLives into the curriculum and for their efforts in fostering a culture of empathy and global citizenship among students.

About the Teachers:

- Kyungsuk Kim: A passionate educator who introduced RealLives to Gunseo Global School. Kim has been instrumental in integrating the program into the curriculum and fostering global citizenship among students.

- Elspeth Oxley: An English teacher at Gunseo School who has effectively used RealLives to expand students' vocabulary and improve their English writing skills.

- Jinwon Choi: A teacher at Gunseo School who has played a key role in incorporating RealLives into various subjects and promoting empathy and cultural awareness among students.