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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Crossing cultures I: Self awareness

This online course helps teachers gain a greater awareness of their own cultural background, as well as acquire tools to interact appropriately and effectively with people from a variety of cultures.

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Course description

It’s not easy for students from other cultures to adapt to a new environment. It’s not any easier for teachers — our own cultural biases and assumptions may mean the difference between making a student, parent, or colleague feel welcome, or making that person feel like an outsider.

Develop your intercultural competence in Crossing Cultures I: Self Awareness. This course will help you improve your effectiveness in interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. By learning intercultural theories, including a cultural value framework, you’ll gain a greater awareness of your own cultural background, as well as acquire tools to interact appropriately and effectively with people from a variety of cultures.

In this, the first of two courses designed to promote cross-cultural understanding, you’ll learn from your fellow educators, as well as participate in several intercultural interactions with others outside of this course. The skills you gain in this course will help you encourage and value student contributions regardless of their background or ability.

Course objectives

Within the larger course goals, there are six specific learner objectives that you’ll achieve through your participation in this course:

  • Explore own cultural identity and ethnic background
  • Explore own “personal lens” (world view)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of definitions and concepts found in cultural theories, including framework of cultural values with which to analyze individuals’ behavior
  • Identify cultural similarities and differences between several different cultures.
  • Demonstrate skills acquired in course through on-line activities and real-world experiences.
  • Synthesize knowledge, skills, and attitudes through a culture-specific presentation, cultural exploration, and an on-line journal.

    • Course information

    Blended learning
    This course will teach participants some of the principles of blended learning.
    Syllabus
    The course syllabus can be viewed here.
    Duration
    Four weeks
    Credits
    3.0 CEUs

Standards alignment

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards (2009)

  • Goal 2: Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students.
  • Goal 4: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.
    • Objective 4.01: Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.
    • Objective 4.02: Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.
    • Objective 4.07: Teachers communicate effectively.
  • Goal 5: Teachers reflect on their practice.