Use structured e-mail exchanges with target-language peers to build cross-cultural interest and motivation¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The activity has students correspond by e-mail with peers in the target language, chosen via a penpal website where they can select partner country, age, and sex. It proceeds through preliminary tasks (e-mailing classmates and the instructor), partner selection, letter writing, and Internet research on the partner's country shared in presentations. The authors state that "we encourage students to dialogue through e-mail with their target language peers" to foster cultural awareness and motivate communication in English.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Students should first be accustomed to using computers, English software, and writing English e-mail messages through preliminary tasks.

Constraints¶

• Designed for beginner to intermediate Japanese university learners with little or no direct contact with other cultures.

Target Learners¶

• Japanese university students of English, beginner to intermediate level

Target Learning Goals¶

• cross-cultural awareness
• motivation to communicate in English

Related Strategies¶

• Have students interview study-abroad returnees to learn about living abroad first hand
• Create Culture Kits

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Murray, G. L., & Bollinger, D. J. (2001). Developing Cross-Cultural Awareness: Learning Through the Experiences of Others. TESL Canada Journal, 19(1). https://teslcanadajournal.ca. doi:10.18806/tesl.v19i1.920