Keynotes, Special Sessions, and Workshops

Using an Object-Based Learning Approach to Strengthen Intercultural and Global Awareness and Openness to Diversity

---

Abstract

An assignment involving attendance of an exhibition-focused guest lecture on Native American dress and completion of a reading and reflective written assignment was designed to assess two general education learning objectives relating to intercultural and global awareness (IGA). Direct and indirect assessments revealed that students could recognize the role of dress as it both reflects and shapes intra- and inter-cultural interactions(objective 1) and interpret an intercultural experience involving dress from one’s own and another’s worldview (objective 2). In addition, students felt they could broadly apply the knowledge gained from studying a single culture,and it helped them develop respect for and connect with people of different cultural backgrounds. We also measured students’ Openness to Diversity, which revealed a significant impact of intercultural learning activities on students’ openness to diversity. An object-based learning approach involving a discussion of cultural artifacts by a knowledgeable insider is recommended. 

Keywords: Diversity, Global awareness, Intercultural interactions

How to Cite:

Smith-Glaviana, D. & Hwang, E., (2024) “Using an Object-Based Learning Approach to Strengthen Intercultural and Global Awareness and Openness to Diversity”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17500