The impact of explicit instruction in intercultural competence in the world language classroom

Abstract

This article describes a research study of a three-semester elementary Italian language curriculum at a large Midwestern research university that incorporates intercultural competence (IC) training through cognitive dissonance image analyses, conversations with native speakers, classroom discussion, and reflections to determine the impact of this curriculum on learners’ development of IC. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered over three semesters to assess students’ IC and identify insights into the developmental processes. Students’ development of IC was measured in pre- and posttests using the Intercultural Development Inventory. Students demonstrated positive growth in IC with 9-point gains in developmental orientation scores (p < .001). Qualitative data from student interviews and reflections were analyzed using the VALUE rubric of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and illustrate that students increased awareness of cultural self and different others, applied openness and curiosity in intercultural interactions, and developed skills for empathy and perspective taking. While previous studies on language courses with no or limited intercultural learning content failed to prove effective in promoting IC growth, this study suggests that purposeful integration of IC materials and activities can promote intercultural development in elementary language learners.