Marcus Balslev
Learning outcome
By the end of this challenge participants will be able to...
... Use assimilation and accommodation learning strategies as an approach for understanding our reaction to the unfamiliar
... Define a culture shock
…Identify phases of the culture meeting
... Recognize different types of stereotyping as a reaction to a culture shock
Content
Challenge three contents a common exercise where the participants connect their own descriptions of culture shock to each other. The connection is physically made by a string that ends up as a web. A short movie will illustrate how our prejudices influence our ability to judge a situation. Group work and discussions of photographs from three different education settings where the participants will identify what is familiar and what is unfamiliar.
Readings
Illeris, Knud(2004): The three dimensions of learning. Contemporary theory in the tension field between the cognitive, the emotional and the social Roskilde University Press & Nice publications. Narayana Press
Lynch, Eleanor W and Marci J. Hanson (1998), (Ed.): Developing Cross-Cultural Competence. Paul H. Brookes Publising, Baltimore, Maryland.
Product
Use the string web method as a tool to develop a common language in a group.
Action
Keep a diary or a blog where you describe situations where your basic values, beliefs, and patterns of behavior are challenged by a different set of values beliefs and behaviors when being aboard.
Reflection
Write your answer to the challenge including relevant materials, e.g. what kind of questions do you need to ask to gain understanding of situations where your basic values, beliefs and patterns of behavior are challenged.
Possible key concepts
Assimilation and accommodation learning strategies, culture shock, transcendent learning, stereotyping, prejudice.
Links
University of Copenhagen provide a definition of culture shock here: http://studies.ku.dk/health_and_safety/culture_shock/.
Literature
Christensen, Maria (2003) (2. oplag): Nutidsnomader. Rejsens psykologiske udfordringer. Geografforlaget.Illeris, Knud(2004): The three dimensions of learning. Contemporary theory in the tension field between the cognitive, the emotional and the social Roskilde University Press & Nice publications. Narayana Press
Lynch, Eleanor W and Marci J. Hanson (1998), (Ed.): Developing Cross-Cultural Competence. Paul H. Brookes Publising, Baltimore, Maryland.
