Intercultural understanding is the ability to interact and communicate with people from different backgrounds in a respectful and effective way. It serves as a bridge that connects individuals and helps create welcoming learning environments. Developing this skill requires intentional steps to foster an appreciation for various perspectives and ensure all students feel valued in the classroom.
When students develop intercultural understanding, it:
- Encourages curiosity and engagement with new perspectives
- Strengthens problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Promotes creative thinking and discovery
- Builds stronger relationships and collaboration
Read on to learn five ways to build intercultural understanding and confidence in your classroom.
1. Encourage Students to Reflect on Their Personal Backgrounds
Self-reflection helps students develop a sense of identity and connection to their own history. For younger students, a great activity is creating a family tree by speaking with older relatives. This exercise can provide them with a deeper understanding of their own heritage.
Older students can explore their personal history through research-based projects. Applying for an education grant through ancestryk12.com can give students access to extensive historical records to support their learning. As they reflect on their own experiences, encourage them to remain open to learning about the backgrounds of their peers.
2. Foster Meaningful Conversations Through Think-Pair-Share
Encouraging students to participate in think-pair-share activities in small groups allows them to learn more about their classmates. Hearing about their peers’ family traditions and cultural experiences can provide a broader understanding of different perspectives in a relatable and familiar context.
This type of discussion not only strengthens classroom connections but also builds a sense of community where students feel comfortable sharing and learning from one another.
3. Create a Welcoming Classroom Environment Through Seating Arrangements
Consider periodically changing your classroom layout to encourage students to interact with a variety of peers. Seating adjustments help prevent cliques and encourage students to build relationships outside their usual social groups.
Students often gravitate toward those who are familiar to them, so this simple strategy fosters new connections and strengthens classroom unity.
4. Use Team-Building Exercises to Strengthen Collaboration
Team-building exercises are a great way to encourage cooperation among students. When students learn to trust their classmates, they also develop essential communication and collaboration skills.
Look for activities that allow students to showcase their unique strengths. When students work together toward a shared goal, they develop a sense of accountability and investment in the success of the group, leading to a stronger classroom community.
5. Connect With Classrooms in Different Regions
Building relationships beyond the local community can deepen students’ appreciation for the world around them. Consider reaching out to classrooms in different regions or countries that are exploring similar lessons. Setting up virtual classroom exchanges through video calls allows students to interact, collaborate, and compare their experiences.
Another way to foster global connections is by pairing students with international pen pals for the school year. When students develop firsthand relationships with peers from different backgrounds, they gain a broader understanding of the world and an appreciation for new perspectives.
Building a Welcoming Classroom Environment
At Participate Learning, we believe that fostering a sense of connection in the classroom is essential. Intercultural understanding is a key step in creating a welcoming learning environment where all students feel valued and encouraged to share their perspectives.
To learn more about how to cultivate global awareness in your classroom, check out this blog post on three steps to create a classroom that celebrates students’ unique experiences.
