ERIC Number: EJ1227130
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0015-718X
EISSN: N/A
Promoting Intercultural Thinking and Reflection through U.S. History
Foreign Language Annals, v52 n3 p507-528 Fall 2019
Language textbooks present cultural content in a typically homogeneous fashion, thereby ignoring inherent diversity both within and between cultures and reinforcing monodimensional views. Consequently, instructors must find ways to facilitate students' critical engagement with and reflection on cultural representations in order to provide them with the space to more critically examine cultural heterogeneity, which is essential for effective and appropriate interactions in real settings. The current study describes novel cultural modules built around the PBS documentary series "Latino Americans" to be integrated into a Spanish 1 course. The modules introduced students to historical events regarding the long-standing Latino presence in the United States and Latinos' points of view, perceptions, and values. To ascertain the effectiveness of the modules, students' development of intercultural sensitivity was assessed via surveys and class observations. The analysis was framed using M. Bennett's model of intercultural development. Results demonstrated students' shifts in both ethnocentric and ethnorelative perceptions of cultural difference. Regarding ethnorelative perspectives, results suggest discrete improvements particularly as seen in the prevalence of data that support a shift toward acceptance.
Descriptors: United States History, Cultural Awareness, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Textbooks, Ethnocentrism, Spanish, Introductory Courses, Language Teachers, Hispanic Americans, Social Values, Student Attitudes, Attitude Change, Hispanic American Culture, Units of Study, Cultural Differences
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2429/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A