GLH10 How to Facilitate Cross-Cultural Dialogue by Engaging Students in Themed Conversations

 Description

The goal of this strategy is to engage students of different backgrounds in meaningful conversation. Depending on the topic, the conversation can be informal, as inspired by the relaxed and convivial atmosphere of a café, which encourages open and comfortable communication.  Conversation can be light or more serious. For light conversation, ice-breakers are effective. Appropriate themes for ice-breakers can include food traditions, festivals, and family customs. These provide effective ways to open dialogue and make students comfortable. For deeper, more serious conversation, consider topics that are directly related to the course and or, for example, education systems, social norms, elections, attitudes towards the environment, politics, conceptions of time and space, etc. It’s helpful to provide a wide range of discussion topics that appeal to diverse interests and backgrounds.