Addressing cultural diversity: effects of a problem-based intercultural learning unit

Autor: Vera Busse, Ulrike-Marie Krause
Rok vydání: 2015
Předmět:
Zdroj: Learning Environments Research. 18:425-452
ISSN: 1573-1855
1387-1579
Popis: This article explores to what extent a problem-based learning unit in combination with cooperative learning and affectively oriented teaching methods facilitates intercultural learning. As part of the study, students reflected on critical incidents, which display misunderstandings or conflicts that arise as a result of cultural differences. In dealing with these cases, students were encouraged to reflect on their own cognitive and affective processes (such as categorisation and judgement) in order to become aware that thoughts, emotions and actions are socially and culturally influenced. Students devised strategies to handle the situations depicted. Participants were young adult learners (N = 40). Students in the experimental group were compared with a control group, which received regular intercultural learning classes. Results indicated that the intervention supported learning and the cooperative learning situations in combination with the affectively oriented teaching methods stimulated intercultural learning processes. However, the analysis also revealed the limitations of short-term interventions in tackling the motivational and attitudinal dimension of student learning, therefore hinting at the need for long-term projects in order to sustain a lasting positive approach to cultural diversity.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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