Preparation Task for the Module

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  • Please read the thematic introduction Enhancing Intercultural Learning in the Curriculum and the thematic text Facilitating Intercultural Group Dynamics in preparation for all activities.
  • Further you may access the suggested papers by Cruickshank et al. (2012) and Gregersen-Hermans, J. (2017), see References below.
  • The Cruickshank et al. (2012) paper illustrates a deliberate approach to the process of intercultural interaction: this takes time and effort, not just from students but also from teachers. In your experience, have you had to provide or proceed to an intervention for a dysfunctional group/team or have you observed a positive situation which you could use as an intervention

Please think of a concrete example and be prepared to discuss in preparation for activity 3.

  • In addition, think about the following questions, in preparation for activity 1.

Question 1

If, for a first meeting with students in a culturally diverse classroom you were to assign small groups yourself (as instructor), how would you instruct the formation of the groups (i.e. based on ability; gender mix; other…)?

Question 2

If you consider students’ motivation for learning, what is your preference in terms of group assignation that might be beneficial for their motivation?

Question 3

If you reflect on challenges that might affect intercultural group work, what would be your top issue (e.g. conflicting norms for decision-making; trouble with language fluency; differences in expectations on what constitutes group work; other…)?

Question 4

In your opinion, why is group work important for intercultural learning?

Question 5

What is your favourite dish from a country other than that in which you reside?

References

Cruickshank, K., Chen, H. & Warren, S. (2012). Increasing international and domestic student interaction through group work: A case study from the humanities. Higher Education Research & Development, 31(6), 797-810.

Gregersen-Hermans, J. (2017). Intercultural competence development in higher education. In Intercultural Competence in Higher Education: International Approaches, Assessment and Application (pp. 91-106). Routledge.