ERIC Number: EJ1237745
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Dec
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1475-2409
EISSN: N/A
How US Students' Geo-Cultural Knowledge and Intercultural Receptiveness Is Impacted through Contact with International Teachers
Ganley, DeLacy; Kula, Stacy M.; Kallemeyn, David
Journal of Research in International Education, v18 n3 p326-348 Dec 2019
To understand how K-12 students in the USA are impacted by their interactions with international teachers (ie teachers visiting the USA from other countries), this study asked 'Does contact with an international teacher correlate with increased geo-cultural knowledge and/or receptiveness to non-USA countries, peoples and/or cultures?'. To address this question, the study drew on pre- and post-contact data from 1,082 students who had interactions with international teachers who were in the USA for a six-week educational program. Analysis of the data indicated that the students' geo-cultural knowledge increased after having contact with an international teacher. Students were more likely to be able to identify the visiting teacher's country as being real (as opposed to fictional), its geographic location ("vis-a-vis" continent identification), and its dominant language and religion. Findings also showed that contact with international teachers correlated with increased receptiveness towards and interest in non-USA countries/peoples/culture among elementary and middle school students, but not so much among high school students. This study suggests programs supported by international teachers in schools can be effective at helping US youth gain needed intercultural competencies and, in the process, can promote global well-being.
Descriptors: Cultural Awareness, Knowledge Level, Intercultural Communication, Teacher Student Relationship, Foreign Workers, Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, High School Students, Global Approach, Faculty Development, Foreign Countries, World Geography, Student Attitudes, Program Length, Teacher Influence, Native Language, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California; Mexico; Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A