Learning in Diversity

Intercultural Collaborative Learning (ICL) provides learning activities in which students recognize and learn from each other's different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Through "meaningful interaction" such as groupwork and other collaborative learning experiences, it aims to deepen mutual understanding while pointing the way towards acceptance of others, introspection, and an integrated process for the generation of new values.

This goes beyond merely putting students together in the same classroom. In ICL students collaborate to achieve common goals and develop the ability to voluntarily recognize diversity while encountering active learning opportunities that encourage them to reassess their own value systems.

ICL methodologies vary depending on learning environments and objectives. What they all share is that they emphasize a learner-centered approach, allowing participants to take ownership of their education through their exchanges in which learners themselves act as resources for learning about cultural and linguistic diversity.

Those accustomed to traditional modes of learning in which they study as per the directions of an instructor may initially feel some confusion. However, thinking and acting independently in environments that incorporate diverse value systems and communication styles, while difficult, are crucial for living an active life. We hope that through ICL students will experience the importance, difficulties, and enjoyment of these things and take pride in their growth as independent learners.