TY - JOUR
T1 - Beyond Assumptions: Rethinking Intercultural Competence Development in North-South Virtual Exchanges
T2 - The potential of Art-Based Research
AU - Mitchell, Lize-Mari
AU - Suransky, A. C. (Caroline)
PY - 2024/12/6
Y1 - 2024/12/6
N2 - In today’s globalized higher education landscape, intercultural competence (ICC) is essential, particularly for graduates engaging in virtual exchange programmes like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). This paper challenges the assumption that such exchanges inherently foster ICC development, especially in North-South contexts. Critically assessing the limitations of prevalent self-assessment methods and Eurocentric frameworks, the paper argues for a nuanced understanding of ICC before assuming its occurrence in COIL projects. To address these gaps, alternative research approaches, including narrative research and art-based research (ABR), are proposed. These methods aim to redefine ICC within North-South relationships, moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives. By utilizing narrative research and ABR, researchers can explore students’ experiences in a more collaborative and empathetic manner, fostering dialogue and mitigating stereotypes. The paper contends that such alternative approaches are crucial for a more equitable understanding of ICC within North-South COIL projects, providing valuable insights into ICC development and assessment in a globalized educational landscape.
AB - In today’s globalized higher education landscape, intercultural competence (ICC) is essential, particularly for graduates engaging in virtual exchange programmes like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). This paper challenges the assumption that such exchanges inherently foster ICC development, especially in North-South contexts. Critically assessing the limitations of prevalent self-assessment methods and Eurocentric frameworks, the paper argues for a nuanced understanding of ICC before assuming its occurrence in COIL projects. To address these gaps, alternative research approaches, including narrative research and art-based research (ABR), are proposed. These methods aim to redefine ICC within North-South relationships, moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives. By utilizing narrative research and ABR, researchers can explore students’ experiences in a more collaborative and empathetic manner, fostering dialogue and mitigating stereotypes. The paper contends that such alternative approaches are crucial for a more equitable understanding of ICC within North-South COIL projects, providing valuable insights into ICC development and assessment in a globalized educational landscape.
KW - globalised higher education
KW - intercultural competence
KW - collaborative online international learning
KW - North-South contexts
KW - narrative research
KW - art-based research
U2 - 10.38140/pie.v42i4.8100
DO - 10.38140/pie.v42i4.8100
M3 - Article
SN - 0258-2236
VL - 42
SP - 115
EP - 133
JO - Perspectives in Education
JF - Perspectives in Education
IS - 4
ER -