Exploring a Framework for Interculturally Competent Teaching in Diverse Classrooms

An American Perspective

What is necessary for successful intercultural classrooms? It often begins with interculturally competent teaching. This paper explores a grounded research-based framework for intercultural competence developed through the author’s research primarily with leading intercultural experts in the U.S. This framework, which is comprised of specific attitudes, skills, and knowledge leading ultimately to the desired outcome of interculturally appropriate and effective behavior and communication, can be used to help teachers become more interculturally competent in diverse classrooms. Reflection questions, based on the framework, are included that teachers can use to improve their own intercultural competence. In addition, the paper outlines some concrete action steps that can be taken in developing a more interculturally-competent teaching practice.