Teaching Acculturation: Developing Multiple “Cultures” in the Classroom and Role-Playing the Acculturation Process

Abstract

Psychology recognizes the importance of educating students regarding cross-cultural issues. We designed a classroom exercise to give students a firsthand appreciation of a specific cross-cultural issue, that of acculturation. After a brief lecture on acculturation, we divided students in the class into 2 groups and helped each group to develop a distinct culture. Students then went on cultural exchanges to the other culture, to experience the acculturation process. Our intent with this exercise was both to teach acculturation and to broaden students' perspectives regarding current global cultural issues. Self-report evaluations of this exercise indicated that students believed it was helpful in learning about acculturation, and students reported that they developed empathy for those who are changing cultures.