On-line presentation (research presentation) (30 Minutes) Intercultural Competence Development & Global Issues Awareness in EFL Classrooms more

Sat, Nov 27, 09:50-10:20 Asia/Tokyo

The internationalisation of universities in Japan has grown parallel to an increasing need to foster interculturally competent graduates, capable of working effectively across cultures and of successfully addressing local and global challenges (Deardorff & Jones, 2012; Yamamoto, 2018). Previous studies in the fields of internationalisation and intercultural competence have focused mainly on the impact of study abroad programmes (Asaoka & Yano, 2009). Yet, as we face a global pandemic, preceded in Japan by an overall decline in the number of students participating in mid- to long-term study abroad programmes, the need to research the development of intercultural attitudes and knowledge on domestic campuses has become apparent. This presentation will discuss results from a longitudinal study with 223 students of English as a Foreign Language at a Japanese university. Particular attention will be given to the development of core intercultural competence components, namely curiosity, openness, and respect, as well as an awareness of local and global issues. The presenter will discuss results of pre- and post-intervention surveys as well as student reflections, discussions, and presentations collected over one semester. Results will be discussed in light of student thoughts on the factors impacting intercultural competence development and global issues awareness in the classroom. It is hoped that findings will generate discussion among educators and scholars on how to better foster an interculturally competent workforce through foreign language classrooms and beyond.