Degree Name

MA in International Education

First Advisor

Richard Rodman

Abstract

This capstone paper introduces “The Warm Heart of Africa”, an education abroad program proposal for pre-service and in-service K-12 teachers designed for the newly formed organization, S.T.E.P (Supporting.Teachers.Educational.Progression) Into The World. “The Warm Heart of Africa” will offer a month-long intensive program in the African nation of Malawi during the summer of 2012 with the purpose of providing participants with training in intercultural communication alongside an unforgettable cultural immersion experience. With a base of experiential learning, “The Warm Heart of Africa” design focuses on providing participants with a strong foundation in cross-cultural competency and sensitivity as it combines service-learning projects, a homestay, and cultural programming with classroom-based activities, structured group dialogue, and reflection. “The Warm Heart of Africa” is designed as a contribution to the internationalization of the field of teacher education and will act as a model for future study abroad programs aimed at providing intercultural training to educators.

Over the past several decades great importance has been placed on the development of intercultural competence through study abroad opportunities. The field of study abroad continues to grow and with this growth has come a new target audience: K-12 educators. Research indicates that most American schoolteachers do not receive proper intercultural training. Many struggle to effectively manage their multicultural classrooms and are often unable to teach their students about the world (Wang, et. al, 2009).

Disciplines

Civic and Community Engagement | Education | Educational Sociology | Elementary Education and Teaching | International and Comparative Education | Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching

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