"The challenge of participating in intercultural classroom contexts"

Vortrag von Prof. Dr. Helen Spencer-Oatey, University of Warwick

Prof. Dr. Helen Spencer-Oatey, University of Warwick: The challenge of participating in intercultural classroom contexts

It is common for both students and staff to complain about participation in intercultural classrooms – that some students ‘won’t talk’, that some are ‘too dominant’, that staff don’t know how to engage (international) students, and so on. But what is the empirical evidence for this and what are the underlying reasons?

In this talk, I start by presenting some quantitative data on academic integration, and in particular on participation. I draw on survey data (n = 2360) collected using the Global Education Profiler across 6 universities in four different countries in Europe (UK, Republic of Ireland, Germany and Belgium). I explain the design of the survey, how the numerical data and open comments were analysed, and what we can learn from the findings. 

I then compare these findings with some data collected in US workplaces where participation also emerged as a problem. This leads to question as to why participation seems to be such a widespread problem. I put forward some possible reasons, especially for intercultural contexts, and suggest some ways of addressing the issue.

Biography

Helen Spencer-Oatey is Managing Director of GlobalPeople Consulting Ltd. (GPC) and Emeritus Professor of Intercultural Communication at the University of Warwick, UK. Working at the interface of psychology and communication, she is internationally renowned for her writings on intercultural rapport, relationships and communication. She has developed a wide range of popular diagnostic tools and professional development resources for organisations, teams and individuals – most now available via GlobalPeople Consulting Ltd.

If you would like to obtain more information on this guest lecture or attend the talk, please contact Zeynep Köylü.

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