Teaching Interculturally

Tara Harvey

True North Intercultural

"Great ideas for how to engage students in ways that encourage and use their diversity as a part of the learning process, and how to assess student knowledge and skills in ways that acknowledge and honor diversity. Includes first-person case studies from several professors."

Taryn Vian, Clinical Professor of Global Health

Boston University School of Public Health

“According to [this] timely new book, we cannot ignore the increasing cultural diversity of our students. This is true even in technical and scientific courses: ‘…you are teaching in and experiencing intercultural classrooms regardless of whether you want to, whether you are aware of it, and whether you think it is your responsibility or relevant to your discipline’. In other words, this is not a book that asks, ‘Is culture affecting my readers or users?’ Instead, it goes further: ‘How do I design and communicate effectively in this intercultural environment?’ This is a tough question, and in a refreshing nod to practicality, the authors set out a developmental process instead of a ‘to do’ list. According to them, putting the theory of ‘intercultural pedagogy’ into practice requires time, dialog with others, cultural humility, and critical reflection. This all requires conscious effort that comes about through an iterative series of failures, reframing issues, repeated observations, and refinement.”

Technical Communication

"Now more than ever, the college classroom ought to be a place where students from diverse backgrounds engage productively in difficult conversations, yet few faculty are trained to facilitate this challenging work. Teaching Interculturally is a thoughtful and practical guide that is grounded in theory but with many concrete examples of classroom challenges, activities, and assignments. This book will be a great asset to faculty communities and to graduate courses on pedagogy.

Aeron Haynie, Executive Director, Center for Teaching and Learning Associate, and Associate Professor of English

University of New Mexico

"Teaching Interculturally takes the research on high-impact practices to a higher level. The authors offer the specifics of a high-impact, cognitive justice based pedagogy that speaks to the multi-dimensional, lived reality of students attending college in contemporary times. Student success enthusiasts can benefit from a much-needed focus on the crucial role faculty play in developing an intercultural framework that underscores reflective practice, as well as intersectional aspects impacting equity and inclusion. In the end, the book offers hope that faculty can indeed develop an intercultural, critical approach that prepares students to meet the world as it is and to skillfully act to transform it."

Laura I. Rendón, author of Sentipensante Pedagogy: Educating for Wholeness, Social Justice and Liberation (2009, Stylus Press)

“We need more people who recognize that differing perspectives exist, that differing foundational assumptions are possible, and that there’s value in critically evaluating ideas, problems, and structures from multiple angles. We need people who can recognize how and why our communities and cultures came to be the way that they are – and who can learn to function effectively within and, at times, to ethically act against those ideas and structures. Teaching Interculturally is a foundational text for that important work."

Peter Felten, Center for Engaged Learning

Elon University

"One of the book’s bold claims is that to practice authentic, deliberate intercultural pedagogy, instructors must unlearn preconceived notions of diversity and socialized assumptions about teaching and learning. But here’s the rub: discomfort, disruption, and humility are unavoidable prerequisites to the transformative faculty development often missing in our uneven, well-intended efforts to create inclusive educational environments. With research, theory, case studies, practical suggestions, and reflective exercises, the authors provide accessible tools for revising our development approaches, making them mindful and lasting in effectively preparing faculty to teach interculturally."

John Zubizarreta, Ph.D., Carnegie Foundation/CASE U.S. Professor of the Year

Columbia College

"The authors strike an admirable and concise balance between theory and practice. They aim to “disrupt” current teaching norms with a 'commitment to make intentional, informed decisions that enable our courses to engage and support diversity and inclusion'. In their second chapter, they emphasize three values toward this end: (1) the pursuit of equity and inclusion in classrooms, (2) pedagogical humility while recognizing the developmental nature of expertise, and (3) the importance of reflection and revision. These values are modeled through the rest of the book.

With numerous case studies and bracketed "Invitations for Reflection,' this slim volume practices a pedagogy of its own and is well-suited for individuals and groups seeking opportunities for practical and meaningful reflection on intercultural pedagogy."

Reflective Teaching

“Amy Lee and her colleagues offer pedagogical techniques that support diversity, equity, and intercultural development. I believe both experienced and novice faculty members will find value in the framework and discussion questions provided by the book.

The second part of the book focuses on how to move from self-reflection to action. In my opinion, this is the highlight of the book, focusing on the case studies of Bob and Catherine and showing how they used their self-reflection and their commitment to teaching interculturally to change their teaching practices. These cases studies are detailed, in-depth examinations of Bob and Catherine’s practices, and the authors don’t hesitate to share their own struggles or discuss areas where they are still working to improve.

The book ends with an encouragement to pursue productive discomfort in one’s classroom in order to allow space for intercultural learning. This includes a list of practical strategies for the classroom as well as revisiting the cases of Bob and Catherine to see how they made space for productive discomfort. Overall, the reader leaves feeling encouraged and supported in changing their practice to meet the needs of a diverse range of students. I strongly recommend the book to those interested in intercultural pedagogy.”

Teachers College Record