Proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Research in Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Encouraging Empathy and Connection in ELT through Journal Exchange
Daniel Andrzejewski
ABSTRACT:
Using the framework of cultural humility (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998) (Gallardo, 2013), a process of self-reflection and creation of partnerships is necessary to increase intercultural communication and understanding between students and teachers in ELT. In order to encourage students to make empathic connections to the presenter’s cultural and life experiences, and for the presenter’s understanding of students’ lived experiences, a form of dialogue journal writing (Peyton & Reed, 1990) was implemented among Japanese university students. Students read and reacted to the instructor’s life experience and thoughts. They then made empathic inferences and ask questions. These journals were then responded to and commented on by the presenter, creating a dialogue for future journals. The framework, curriculum, and results of this journal exercise will be discussed as well as future implications for the role of empathy in ELT.
keywords: communication, cultural awareness, English, language education, writing