Applying Intercultural Teaching Experiences to the American Classroom: Impact of Teaching Abroad One Year Later

• In Event: 60.046 - Developing Cultural Competence and Awareness From Study Approach Experiences

Abstract

Researchers will report on a study that examined the longitudinal impact of an EFL teaching practicum during junior semester abroad in Italy. Developmental models of intercultural competencies and experiential learning framed the analysis of preservice teachers’ intercultural learning process during the fifteen months post experience. Focus groups, written reflections and survey data were utilized to capture the evolution of personal and professional intercultural competencies. Findings suggested that preservice teachers adapted what they learned abroad about culturally-responsive practices to their American student teaching classrooms; however, one year later they were challenged to see themselves as cultural and to relate this self-image to their teaching. Implications of findings will be discussed regarding intercultural competencies models and study abroad programming during the re-entry phase.

Authors

• Laura Boynton Hauerwas, Providence College

• Susan F. Skawinski, Providence College

• Lynne B. Ryan, Providence College