I think that intercultural communication done right is worth the effort. Done wrong, however, it seems like a waste of valuable time, especially considering the idea that it can reinforce negative stereotypes.
The research we've been looking at from various intercultural collaboration projects shows that the benefits of this type of collaboration can be multifaceted. With so many apparent benefits, it's hard to say that it could be a bad thing...Until one considers the examples of intercultural communication gone wrong.
We looked at several examples of what makes intercultural communication difficult, the tensions that arise from different expectations, time commitments, personal goals and motivation, and personal connections. Specifically, we looked at these from the side of conversations or projects that didn't result in greater cultural awareness, and then we talked about ways to start intercultural communication projects in a way that would have more potential for success.
The primary tenants for successful projects seem to be:
1. Make sure to introduce the project clearly. Be clear about expectations you have for students, and that students have for the project.
2. Communicate those expectations with the collaborating class. Talk about goals for the project so that everybody has a clear idea of the commitment required for the project.
3. Help students along the way. Expect to help students find a neutral or kind way to approach issues that they feel strongly about and help them to build a personal connection with their collaborating parter.
4. Introductory projects are a pretty good idea. Spend time letting students learn about who their partners are, what they like to do, etc. Value the non-academic as well as the academic aspects of the collaboration.
I'm sure there are more things to consider, but those were the ideas that seemed most important for ensuring the success of long-distance collaborative projects.
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4 comments:
Elizabeth, I completely agree! This is something I talked about in my blog too. Done right intercultural communication is great! However, teacher preparation and partner tension can easily make the project be less beneficial. We def. need to be careful as teachers as to how we implement these types of projects!
i really like the idea of being explicit with expectations. although, its magical how things can still go wrong, i think making things crystal clear from the very beginning is super important! right on target! :O)
haha..I want to say the exact same thing everyone else has said. I guess this means that we pretty much agree that intercultural communication is worth it if you as the teacher are willing to put forth the effort to implement it well. I think it would be sad to create a project with good intentions and then have it fail and just reinforce stereotypes.
Nice post! 10/10
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