ERIC Number: EJ1093756
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1812-9129
EISSN: N/A
Where Cultural Competency Begins: Changes in Undergraduate Students' Intercultural Competency
Sandell, Elizabeth J.; Tupy, Samantha J.
International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, v27 n3 p364-381 2015
Teacher preparation programs and accreditation organizations have acknowledged need for educators to demonstrate intercultural knowledge, skills, and abilities. Teacher educators are responding to emphasis in higher education to assure that graduates achieve intercultural competence (NCATE, 2008). This study compared the cultural competency of university students before and after participation in domestic intensive and intentional cross-cultural undergraduate courses. Data analysis showed that undergraduate students began their classes at the same levels of intercultural competence, with ethnocentric views that minimize cultural differences between themselves and others. Students usually began with over-estimating their intercultural competence. However, their actual developmental orientation toward cultural differences was more ethno-centric. Due to their lack of experience among people of cultures different than their own, they were more likely to minimize cultural differences and emphasize cultural commonalities. During this investigation, after the first semester, data analysis showed no statistically significant change in students' cultural competence. After a semester with higher-impact activities (e.g., cultural partnerships), subjects showed statistically significant positive gains in their orientations to cultures different than their own. Investigators concluded that domestic inter-cultural experiences may encourage university students to not only learn about others, but also learn from and with others.
Descriptors: Intercultural Communication, Undergraduate Students, Cultural Awareness, Teacher Education, Teacher Education Programs, Teacher Educators, Accreditation (Institutions), Undergraduate Study, College Students, Cultural Differences, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Teaching Methods, Student Diversity, Diversity (Faculty), Preservice Teachers, Multicultural Education, Higher Education, Data Collection
International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning. Web site: http://www.isetl.org/ijtlhe
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A