Developing college teachers’ intercultural sensitivity in a multicultural environment ( Desarrollo de la sensibilidad intercultural de los docentes universitarios en entornos multiculturales )

Abstract

Globalization significantly impacts social characteristics of the educational environment, which is becoming increasingly multicultural not only on university campuses but also in the online space, which makes it necessary for teachers to develop intercultural competence and sensitivity. The study aimed to investigate the peculiarities of Chinese college teachers’ intercultural sensitivity development. 96 teachers took part in the study. A communicative training aimed at increasing intercultural sensitivity was developed and its indicators were measured in dynamics, before and after the training. The research methodology was based on socio-cultural, group and personal factors of intercultural competence. The Intercultural Sensitivity Scale by Hukhlaev and Chibisova, modified by Logashchenko, and the Ethnonational Attitudes Scale by Hukhlaev, Kuznetsov and Tkachenko were used. Passing the communicative training had a positive impact on the intercultural sensitivity of the studied teachers, contributing to the formation of their optimal and adequate attitude to intercultural differences and a more tolerant attitude towards representatives of other ethnic groups.