first_page settings Order Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Intercultural Dialogue on Indigenous Perspectives: A Digital Learning Experience

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Author(s) / editor(s):
Anne Karin Vikstøl Olsen , Kristin Severinsen Spieler , Randi Engtrø

Year: 2025

Keywords: intercultural dialogue; Indigenous perspectives; COIL; sustainable internationalization; early childhood teacher education
Language(s): English

Abstract:
This research explores how intercultural dialogue through a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project enhances students’ understanding and integration of Indigenous perspectives. The initiative connected Norwegian Early Childhood Teacher Education (ECTE) students with Canadian Teacher Education students to explore Sámi and Métis cultures. Using a qualitative design, focus group interviews with ECTE students employed a hermeneutic approach to interpret experiences and cultural reflections. These insights, analyzed systematically, demonstrated the COIL project’s effectiveness in facilitating intercultural dialogue, fostering intercultural competence, and encouraging self-reflection among participants. Participants developed invaluable skills for integrating Indigenous perspectives into future educational roles, supported by facilitation that enhanced cross-cultural dialogue and language skills. This study underscores the need for frameworks supporting sustained cultural engagement, acknowledging sample size limitations. Findings advocate for the broader integration of intercultural collaborations in strategies, emphasizing education that enhances cultural competence. Future research should expand with larger samples and varied cultures, using longitudinal studies to assess the impacts on professional development and optimize collaboration educational contexts.

https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050615

Post created by: interculture.de e.V.

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