2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Investigating the Development of Intercultural Competence in Monocultural Classrooms
| Project/Area Number |
20K13151
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| Research Institution | Kansai University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | intercultural competence / attitudes / global awareness / foreign language |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In the 2020 academic year, the researcher reviewed literature on intercultural attitudes and knowledge. Based on that information, an intercultural competence map was developed outlining the targeted learning objectives - curiosity, openness, respect, cultural self-awareness, culture-specific knowledge, grasp of local and global issues, and an understanding of others’ worldviews.
The map also outlined potential evidence and optimal assessment tools related to intercultural competence to be used during the data collection process. Based on the components identified in the literature, data is currently being collected through a mixed-methods questionnaire administered at three points in the academic year, through reflections collected at four points per semester, and through midterm and final projects.
The longitudinal survey and reflections to measure intercultural competence development were piloted with 30 participants during the Fall semester, and then adjusted for optimal results.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
The research is progressing smoothly and according to the original research timeline. The assessment instrument was completed and longitudinal data regarding intercultural competence development is being collected from 267 undergraduate students of English as a foreign language.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Data will continue being collected throughout the AY2021 and questionnaire data collection is scheduled for July 2021 and January 2022. In addition, focus group interviews will be conducted in July/August 2021 and on January/February 2022. The analysis of data is scheduled for the July-September 2021 and February-March 2022 periods.
In terms of research output, the researcher has applied for the presentation of results at several national and international conferences, including JALT 2021 and APAIE 2022. The publication of articles is scheduled for the AY2022 once the data analysis is completed.
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| Causes of Carryover |
While it was not possible to attend either national or international conferences in person in the 2020 academic year due to coronavirus restrictions, it is hoped that this year there will be more opportunities to present the results of the research.
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