BASIC ASSUMPTIONS
- Despite differences between cultures, there are always more similarities than differences between human beings in different cultures.
- Human struggle and social problems are the same all over the world… it is only the degree, extent that varies
- North and South are connected – and the interdependence of both parts are ever so relevant in this era of globalisation. We affect and effect each other.
- Collectivism and individualism are two inseparable concepts that must rather be seen in a dialectical, process oriented context.
- There is always a cultural context in every social reality, and there is always a social context in every cultural reality.
- Geographical and cultural grammar cannot successfully be taught only by reading books. Interactive personal contact in a cultural context will help.
- Review and redefine the concept of “development” moving from the local to the global perspective and back again.
KOLB’s MODEL OF LEARNING CYCLE
McIntyre Kolb’s model of learning cycle is the basis of SWEDEN-INDIA PROJECT. It uses the cross-cultural context to qualify the four learning orientations given by Kolb. Field experiences of the participants are closely connected to the learning cycle that is continuous and ongoing.
CONCRETE EXPERIENCE
People from different cultural backgrounds will have different experiences
Learning from feeling
- Learning from specific experiences.
- Relating to people.
- Being sensitive to feelings and people.
REFLECTIVE OBSERVATION
People from different cultural backgrounds may have different assumptions about what they observe and understand through experience, which has implications for the bodies of knowledge which learners start with.
Learning by watching and listening
- Carefully observing before making judgments
- Viewing issues from different perspectives
- Looking for the meaning of things
ABSTRACT CONCEPTUALIZATION
People from different cultures may have different cognitive frameworks which may result in drawing inappropriate conclusions from what they see and experience outside their own cultures.
Learning by thinking
- Logically analyzing ideas.
- Systematic planning.
- Acting on an intellectual understanding of a situation.
ACTIVE EXPERIMENTATION
People from different cultures may behave differently which may lead to misinterpretations of the meanings of behavior outside their own cultures.
Learning by doing
- Ability to get things done.
- Risk taking.
- Influencing people and events through action.
