Pluricultural Competence in Action

Session 1


Teacher:       Athena Alchazidu and Kateřina Sedláčková

Term:            Spring 2024


Session objectives

●     This session aims to acquaint students with a variety of tools and approaches that will help
them understand the complex nature of culture as a concept and that will allow them develop their
pluricultural competence.


Key concepts

●     Culture

●     Cultural Diversity

●     Intercultual Dialogue

●     Pluricultural Approach


1 Group work - preparation

·         Form groups of 3-4 and choose one of the topics to learn about and present.

a.       Cultural Diversity

b.      Intercultural dialogue


·         Each group has a set of learning tasks to complete that include listening and reading
tasks.


·         Work together as a group to finish all the tasks. When you’re ready, prepare a mini
presentation for the other people in the class.

·         The mini presentation should cover the following points:

o   a description of the main poin(s) of the concept

o   some examples

·         Prepare notes with the most important points to be able to cover key information and
speak fluently.














Also, prepare a few questions for your audience to make sure they understood your presentation.



2 Group work – presentation


·         Recreate groups so that there’s at least one person knowledgeable about each concept.

·         Take turns and present your concept.

·         As you’re listening to the presenters, take notes.

·         You can ask them as many questions as you want to make sure you understand their
presentation.






















3 Class discussion


·         Rearrange groups.

·         In your group, discuss the following questions related to your topic:





                                             Questions

I. Cultural Diversity

1. What are some common misconceptions about cultural diversity, and how can they be addressed?

2. How does cultural diversity contribute to innovation and creativity in the workplace?

3. Can you give an example of a situation where cultural diversity led to a misunderstanding? How
was it resolved?

4. In what ways can educational institutions promote cultural diversity and inclusion among
students and staff?

5. What are the benefits and challenges of having a culturally diverse team?

6. How can organizations measure the effectiveness of their cultural diversity initiatives?

II. Intercultural Dialogue

1. What are the key components of effective intercultural dialogue?

2. How can intercultural dialogue help in resolving conflicts?

3. Can you share an example of a successful intercultural dialogue you have experienced or
witnessed?

4. What role do language and communication styles play in intercultural dialogue?

5. How can individuals prepare themselves to engage in productive intercultural dialogues?

6. What strategies can be employed to foster a more inclusive environment that encourages
intercultural dialogue?


These questions are designed to stimulate discussion and reflection on the importance of cultural
diversity and the role of intercultural dialogue in fostering understanding and collaboration
across different cultural backgrounds.




4 Sharing


·         Bring a cultural artifact (e.g., a piece of art, clothing, a traditional tool) to class
and present its cultural significance.

·         Explain how it represents key aspects of the culture it comes from.

·         Put down key ideas that define your artifact.


















New vocabulary

Go through the material once more, and list any new words you do not know and consider useful to
learn. Write at least one example sentence for each word.