Identity Texts: An Intervention to Democratize the Classroom

• In Event: 34.095 - MTCC Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 34.095-10 - Exploring Innovations: School, Classroom, and Teacher Perspectives

Abstract

In a university setting with participating multi-ethnic graduate and post-doctoral students and some faculty, a qualitative study on how to foster transcultural competencies using identity texts was conducted. Its aim was to show how this educational intervention would create less tension and dissonance in a cross-cultural educational environment. This study was a workshop of scenarios of transcultural dissonance; identity texts and creation of personal ones and lastly, a group discussion and sharing of insights and thoughts. Results indicated that transculturalism revealed how humanity has a lot in common. Using identity texts in a cross-cultural educational environment increased self-awareness, built trust, enhanced belonging, and more, thus creating more opportunities to develop a successful professional identity in a sociocultural society.

Authors

• Rahat Zaidi, University of Calgary

• Dania El Chaar, University of Calgary