Module 4 Overview: Intercultural Communication

 

Learning Objectives for Module 4

By the end of the Module you will be able to:

• Give possible explanations or interpretations for cultural conflicts
• Explain why cultural meanings are symbolic
• Use techniques to encourage reflective practice in others while discussing cultural differences
• Discuss “cultural bumps” using terms like stereotype, symbolic meaning, individualism, collectivism, low-context cultures, high-context cultures, monochronic cultures, and polychronic cultures
• Identify three (or more) skills which are part of critical thinking that your students should be able to do
• List critical thinking skills your students already have, and which they need to learn more about
• Write a rubric that measures critical thinking in your students
• Create a plan to gather information about your students as cultural beings
• Describe a time when you used the same lesson plan or activity in two different classes and had two different results
• Write about potential reasons for the difference in outcomes for a time when you used the same lesson plan or activity in two different classes and had two different results
• Evaluate your responses to classmates in terms of how much they promoted critical thinking, promoted reflection, and strengthened the sense of community that you have with other participants in this class.
• Evaluate responses you received from classmates in terms of how much they promoted critical thinking, promoted reflection, and strengthened the sense of community that you have with other participants in this class.
• Define polychronic and monochronic cultures
• Define collectivist and individualist cultures

Welcome to Module 4

In this module, we will examine intercultural encounters. What makes intercultural encounters complicated is the differences in perspectives, assumptions, and values that the people involved have. In order to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts, there needs to be intercultural communication. In this module, we will consider how we can teach both intercultural communication and critical thinking to our students.

You will participate in various activities in this module. The activities are listed below, followed by approximate times for each activity. Timing will vary depending on your experience and interest in the topic.