Navigating the development of pre-service teachers’ intercultural competence and understanding of diversity: The benefits of facilitating online intercultural exchange

Jayne M. Leh, Maike Grau, John A. Guiseppe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of online intercultural exchange (OIE) to mediate a cross-cultural project with pre-service teachers in two countries. Design/methodology/approach – Using a population of convenience, students from one American and one German university were assigned to mixed multi-cultural project groups and collaborated outside of class to address the importance of diversity in education; two weeks later, students met face-to-face as a large group and discussed their fndings. All students completed pre- and post-surveys to assess cultural preconceptions, pedagogical beliefs regarding technology-mediated instruction and globalization. Findings – Pre- and post-surveys and refective essays indicated that OIE reduced concerns before meeting face-to-face and the process successfully facilitated a deeper understanding of cultural diversity in education. Research limitations/implications – Generalizing results given the limited time frame of OIE and face-to-face interactions to other populations is cautioned. Future research should investigate extended interactions. Originality/value – These results suggest the value of OIE with these pre-service teachers as an integrated method for teaching language and culture, broadening understanding of cultural diversity, and promoting familiarity in culturally diverse settings prior to an international field experience.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)98-110
Number of pages13
JournalJournal for Multicultural Education
Volume9
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 8 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Linguistics and Language

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Navigating the development of pre-service teachers’ intercultural competence and understanding of diversity: The benefits of facilitating online intercultural exchange'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this