Letting the World In: A Study of Empathy and Cross-Cultural Work in Teacher Education

• In Event: Teaching as Peace Education Praxis for the Historically Marginalized

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explored the effects of a structured short-term cross-cultural teaching experience on measures of narcissism and empathy in three cohorts of teacher candidates. Measures were taken pre, post and one month following the experience (Post-post). Findings suggest that even short-term cross-cultural experiences may be effective in cultivating teacher dispositions for closing the gap between self and other, particularly when the gap is shaped by cultural differences. Across groups qualitative data collected from daily debriefs yielded salient themes associated with personal boundaries, selfhood and learners as other.

Authors

• Paul J. Brawdy, Saint Bonaventure University

• Anne-Claire Fisher, Saint Bonaventure University