Teaching Tools, Strategies, and Resources, continued

Teaching Tools

As stated throughout this module, cultural awareness is an important part of cultural competence. Some strategies to promote cultural awareness include using the eco-map, the cultural genogram (see Self-Discovery Exercises), the self-assessment checklist series (see Resources for this module) and forms of self-observation through video, journal, peer role play, and feedback.

Cultural awareness can also be exercised in an organizational setting using book clubs, videos and discussion, and facilitated training.

There are numerous methods of practicing cultural awareness, including “natural” ways such as culture shock (see Teaching Tools: Cultural Awareness and Culture Shock); consciously practicing awareness, including participation in self-discovery exercises; seeking out interactions and information, including discussion groups, and so forth; and actively learning/experiencing other cultures, including language, a powerful tool intimately linked with culture.