Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 Teaching Abroad and Implementing Culturally Appropriate Instructional Practices Denise Ryan Mason Walden University Follow this and additional works at:https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of theBilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, and theTeacher Education and Professional Development Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please [email protected]. Walden University College of Education This is to certify that the doctoral study by Denise Mason has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Crissie Jameson, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Ruby Burgess, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Michael Brunn, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract Teaching Abroad and Implementing Culturally Appropriate Instructional Practices by Denise Ryan Mason MA, Christian Brothers University, 2003 BS, Ohio University, 1984 Project Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University August 2017 Abstract The increasingly diverse population of the United States is reflected in classrooms across the country. Teachers often struggle with understanding students’ cultural differences in the classroom and therefore also struggle with implementing culturally appropriate instructional strategies. The results of this study provide educational leaders with a viable option to enhance intercultural competence for implementing culturally appropriate instructional practices through the experiences gained in teaching abroad programs like Apufram International. This exploratory case study investigated how teaching experiences abroad contributed to implementing culturally diverse instruction in multicultural classroom settings. The multicultural educational theory of Banks was the theoretical framework used for this study. The research question addressed how a travel abroad experience contributed to the participants’ insights into the cultural differences of students and strategies for implementing culturally diverse instruction in the multicultural classroom. The analytic process included a series of semi structured interviews and classroom observations, and a two-step process (thematic followed by open) to identify common themes. Eight teachers who participated in a teaching abroad experience with the Apufram International within the last 5 years provided the data that addressed the research question. The results of this study found that participating in a teaching abroad program increased cultural awareness and understanding of the need for implementation of culturally diverse instructional practices. Providing teachers with a creative means of improving student academic success helps develop students into global leaders for positive social change. Teaching Abroad and Implementing Culturally Appropriate Instructional Practices by Denise Ryan Mason MA, Christian Brothers University, 2003 BS, Ohio University, 1984 Project Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University August 2017 Dedication To my husband, Bill Mason for his unconditional support and editing. To my children William, Andrew, and Patrick for their understanding of my commitment to life- long learning. To my college professor who recognized my potential despite my learning disability. Acknowledgments Thank you to Dr. Crissie Jameson and Dr. Ruby Burgess for their encouragement and insight into the process and details that made this project possible. Table of Contents List of Figures .................................................................................................................... iv Section 1: The Problem ........................................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 The Local Problem .........................................................................................................2 Rationale ........................................................................................................................4 Definition of Terms........................................................................................................9 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................10 Research Question .......................................................................................................12 Review of the Literature ..............................................................................................12 Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................... 13 Multicultural Competencies .................................................................................. 17 Intercultural Competence and Intercultural Perspectives ..................................... 19 Diversity Within the Schools ................................................................................ 21 Teachers Limited Diverse Backgrounds ............................................................... 23 Lack of Culturally Diverse Instruction ................................................................. 25 Lack of Cultural Awareness .................................................................................. 27 Implementation of Instructional Practices ............................................................ 32 Implications..................................................................................................................33 Summary ......................................................................................................................34 Section 2: The Methodology ..............................................................................................36 Qualitative Research Design and Approach ................................................................36 Methodology and Design .............................................................................................37 i Participants ...................................................................................................................39 Ethical Practices ...........................................................................................................42 Data Collection Process ...............................................................................................43 Data Analysis Results ..................................................................................................47 Trustworthy and Credibility .................................................................................. 49 Justification ........................................................................................................... 49 Data Analysis Results ..................................................................................................50 Five Dimensions of Multicultural Theory of Education ....................................... 52 Emerging Themes ................................................................................................. 70 Summary ......................................................................................................................72 Section 3: The Project ........................................................................................................74 Introduction ..................................................................................................................74 Rationale ......................................................................................................................76 Review of the Literature ..............................................................................................77 Multicultural Competencies .................................................................................. 77 Adult Learning ...................................................................................................... 78 Professional Development .................................................................................... 80 Project Description.......................................................................................................89 Limitations, Barriers, and Possible Solutions ....................................................... 92 Roles and Responsibilities .................................................................................... 94 Project Evaluation Plan ................................................................................................94 Project Implications .....................................................................................................96 Section 4: Reflections and Conclusions .............................................................................98 ii Project Strengths and Limitations ................................................................................98 Recommendations for Alternative Approaches ...........................................................99 Scholarship, Project Development and Evaluation, and Leadership and Change ...........................................................................................................100 Reflection on Importance of the Work ......................................................................101 Implications, Applications, and Directions for Future Research ...............................102 Conclusion .................................................................................................................104 References ........................................................................................................................107 Appendix A: Professional Development Program ...........................................................125 Appendix B: Interview Questions ....................................................................................200 Appendix C: Sample Interview Questions With Responses ............................................202 iii