A1 Journal article (refereed)
Developing Intercultural Mindedness through an Experiential Learning Activity : A Case Study from Singapore (2022)

Layne, H., & Teng, S. S. (2022). Developing Intercultural Mindedness through an Experiential Learning Activity : A Case Study from Singapore. Education Sciences, 12(3), Article 212. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12030212

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Layne, Heidi; Teng, Siao See

Journal or series: Education Sciences

eISSN: 2227-7102

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 16/03/2022

Volume: 12

Issue number: 3

Article number: 212

Publisher: MDPI AG

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12030212

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80375

Abstract

Recent incidents of alleged racism worldwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged us to ponder on the meaning and importance of intercultural education. However, it can be difficult to understand the ways in which intercultural discourse can be beneficial for learning, as well as prepare young people to act against racism and inequalities to work towards a more sustainable future. This study presents analysis of learning materials from a case study conducted in one secondary school in Singapore. The objective of the activity is for students to engage in intercultural learning by participating in walking trails with different themes in a few neighborhoods, to learn more about the history of and life in multiracial Singapore. Researchers followed and observed the two-day event and collected data from the students. Specifically, written reflections from a trail named Many Races—One Nation were collected from the students, as well as their reflective posters at the end of the event. The content analysis of these artefacts concentrates on the meanings and ideologies underlying intercultural learning through an examination of the learning materials and the students’ responses. Furthermore, this study introduces an intercultural mindedness framework that transcends the conflict avoidance approach for deeper learning.

Keywords: interculturalism; cultural competence; prevention of racism; multiculturalism; pupils; experiential pedagogy; qualitative research

Free keywords: racial harmony; qualitative research; Singapore; art of the contact zone theory; intercultural mindedness

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1