Global Learning: Cross Cultural Awareness Megan KimmelMegan Kimmel Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw State University Fall 2013Fall 2013 ECE 7513ECE 7513

What is Cross Cultural Awareness? Cross Cultural Awareness is the knowledge and appreciation of one’s culture as well as the culture of others

Impact on Students When becoming culturally aware people realize: We are not the same Similarities and differences are both important There are multiple ways to reach the same goal

Goals of Multicultural Education Create a safe, accepting, and successful learning environment for all Create a safe, accepting, and successful learning environment for all Increase awareness of global issues Increase awareness of global issues Teach students that there are multiple perspectives Teach students that there are multiple perspectives Encourage critical thinking Encourage critical thinking Prevent prejudice and discrimination Prevent prejudice and discrimination

Advantages of Cross Cultural Education According to the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) Helps students develop positive self- image. Offers students an equitable educational opportunity. Develops multiple ways of thinking. Discourages stereotypes and prejudicial behavior. Teaches students think about society in the interest of social justices.

Challenges to Teaching Students maybe misinformed or misguided as not all textbooks are accurate. Most curriculums focus only on North America and Europe. Material may be too complex and not age appropriate for students. Teachers need to be prepared to address issues of racism, sexism, religious intolerance, classism, ageism, etc. Teachers must understand and appreciate the cultural differences of students in order to make the appropriate instructional decisions that will enhance their learning Teachers need to become aware of their own cultural preferences for what they are and not assume they are the “right” way to think

Degrees of Cultural Awareness There are 4 levels/stages to cultural awareness:There are 4 levels/stages to cultural awareness: 1.My Way is the Only Way-This is the first level where people ignore cultural differences 2.I Know Their Way, But My Way is Better-at this stage people are aware of other cultures but think their way is better 3.My Way and Their Way- people are aware of their way of thinking and other’s way of thinking, and they chose the best option for each situation. 4.Our Way-brings people from different backgrounds together to create a new meaning.

Cross-Cultural and Multicultural Activities Play “Hello” in different languages Play “Hello” in different languages “The Story of Your Name”- Students share where their name comes from and the meaning of their name. “The Story of Your Name”- Students share where their name comes from and the meaning of their name. “Travel Around the World” Students research and report on different countries “Travel Around the World” Students research and report on different countries Pen Pals from around the world Pen Pals from around the world Play games from other cultures. Takraw is the national game of Thailand. It is similar to hackeysack, where players stand in a circle passing the ball with anything but their hands. Another example is Mancala. It is marble game developed from Africa and Asia. Play games from other cultures. Takraw is the national game of Thailand. It is similar to hackeysack, where players stand in a circle passing the ball with anything but their hands. Another example is Mancala. It is marble game developed from Africa and Asia.

Multicultural Activities through Art Use true to life colors with multicultural markers, crayons, paper, or play dough Use true to life colors with multicultural markers, crayons, paper, or play dough Make a paper chain with various skin toned colors Make a paper chain with various skin toned colors Make a friendship bulletin board with children’s handprints Make a friendship bulletin board with children’s handprints Islamic culture forbids the use of living creatures in art. That’s why Muslim art is full of floral or geometric design. Have students make art using only shapes or letters Islamic culture forbids the use of living creatures in art. That’s why Muslim art is full of floral or geometric design. Have students make art using only shapes or letters

Experience Cultural Awareness through Food Most students have tried tacos, egg rolls, and pizza. Have students try different foods from Thailand, Jamaica, or Ethiopia. Make a friendship snack. Each child brings in half a cup of their favorite snack to mix together in a huge bowl. Experience a World Meal which consists of a limited amount of rice and beans. It is the average meal for everyone on the planet

References Multicultural, Cross-cultural & Intercultural Games & Activities. (2006, Feb. 11). Retrieved from Multicultural, Cross-cultural & Intercultural Games & Activities. (2006, Feb. 11). Retrieved from Garica, E. K. (n.d.) Multicultural Education in Your Classroom. Retrieved from Garica, E. K. (n.d.) Multicultural Education in Your Classroom. Retrieved from Quappe, S. & Cantatore, G. (2007, November 2). What is Cultural Awareness, anyway? How do I build it?. The Culturosity Group. Retrieved from Quappe, S. & Cantatore, G. (2007, November 2). What is Cultural Awareness, anyway? How do I build it?. The Culturosity Group. Retrieved from Shelby, B. (2009, August 10). Diversity Through Arts. Retrieved from Shelby, B. (2009, August 10). Diversity Through Arts. Retrieved from Pictures from Google Images