Teaching culture sensitiveness

The presentation aims to give an overview of the design of transcultural learning arrangements. Background: In 2000 ENOTHE has already stated that „qualifying student occupational therapists should be able to work with... [ view full abstract ]

The presentation aims to give an overview of the design of transcultural learning arrangements.
Background:
In 2000 ENOTHE has already stated that „qualifying student occupational therapists should be able to work with clients and carers from diverse cultural and ethnic groups“ (ENOTHE, 2000, p.22 ). The WFOT declared in 2010 „the increased awareness and focus of occupational therapists in culture and diversity“ (WFOT, 2010). As occupations are culturally determined cultural sensitiveness plays a crucial role in the client centered practice of occupational therapists.
How can culture sensitiveness be taught in a therapeutical context? Which teaching models are suitable for the construction of learning arrangements and how can they be implemented practically?
Educational Philosophy or theory:
The educational footing is formed by the model of transcultural competence by Domenig (Domenig, 2007) which is combined with the learning theory “Berliner Modell” (Heimann Otto Schulz, 1997). The occupational therapy perspective is brought in through contemporary publications, e.g. Iwama, 2002; Buschner, 2013, Darawsheh, 2015.
Pedagogy / educational approach(es) used:
The transcultural learning process includes cognitive, social, emotional and personal skills. Self organised and collaborative learning as well as PBL reflect this multidimensionality.
Evaluation:
As appropriate methods of evaluation portfolios for the individual learning process and peer conferences for group results are presented.
Application to Education and /or practice:
Different educational formats – from strongly structured to self organised - will be introduced to meet the needs of diverse learners. The current refugee crisis as an opportunity to engage students will be critically appraised.