Presentation Schedule
Humanizing Global Learning: Cultural Empathy and Connection in Cross-Cultural Writing Exchanges (103528)
Session Chair: Nur Najla Zainal Anuar
Tuesday, 12 May 2026 13:45
Session: Session 3
Room: Room G402 (4F)
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
In a world that is increasingly characterized by globalization, communication and cultural complexity, education has an important role in nurturing empathetic or global minded young people. The present study examines the uses of cross-border, digital writing exchanges to humanize the learning experience of university students and to promote intercultural understanding of students' shared humanity. The project connected future teachers from the United States and Japan through a series of collaborative assignment exchanges and peer feedback. This research is grounded in intercultural communication and social-emotional learning theories. It investigates how students developed compassion, inquiry, and self-awareness through sustained dialogue across borders and cultures. Qualitative data that emerged from student reflections and surveys highlights changes in perspective, an increase in empathy and an improvement in intercultural sensitivity. The findings indicate a common experience among participants of deeper understanding of shared experiences among group members, and meaningfully diminished stereotypical thinking. The presentation argues that trans-national educational partnerships developed through technology are a robust form of developing empathy in future educators. By positioning writing as not only an act of communication, but an act developed as a bridge of understanding, this project demonstrates that a significant increase in understanding of (and empathy for) other cultures can take place as a result of authentic global experiences. Finally, implications are discussed for educators and policy makers interested in embedding empathetic, globally-minded learning in teacher education.
Authors:
Alexandra Vasile, University of Arkansas, United States
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Alexandra Vasile is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at University of Arkansas in United States
Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandravasile
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