Section outline

  • WELCOME

    The world is getting global and with the increase in online learning, there has been a challenge in meeting the needs of learners due to cultural differences. The Fabo Learning Platform makes it possible for you as a site editor to create culturally-inclusive learning experiences for all. We want to make sure that the platform is accessible to people from all cultures. To make this possible we need your help to make the content on the learning sites inclusive to everyone!


    In this resource, we will provide you with steps to consider for Culturally-Inclusive Learning Design.

    Group of people

  • WHAT IS CULTURAL INCLUSIVITY?

    Cultural inclusivity ensures cultural participation, access, and ability to express and interpret culture. From a learning perspective, cultural inclusion calls to support and address the experiences and needs of people from diverse cultures. Culture influences the way we learn because it affects the way we see the world, communicate with others and the way we interact with information.

    Culturally-inclusive learning design is an opportunity for all of us to learn, grow and value unique contributions. Our goal is to include culture intentionally and thoughtfully in a way that allows for cross cultural sharing and connection.


    • Why does it matter?

      • Culture affects individual's value, their interaction, learning style and communications. 
      • People from different cultural background perceives things differently
      • Culture is a social construct and therefore should not be generalised
      • Language is a part of culture. Even though English is an international language, it might not be comfortable for all of your learners. Proceedings in local language(s) is highly appreciated

  • INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

    • Intercultural communication is a crucial set of skills to have in this global world. It studies the communication across cultures, social groups and how culture affects communication (you can see a video on this at the end of the site). It seeks to understand how people communicate from different countries and across various cultures. 

      It presents the idea of knowing how to communicate with people from different countries. Culture determines how people perceive things. Learning the tools to facilitate trainings/workshops for people with diverse background seems to be must in today's context. 

      Intercultural communication plays an important role in international businesses. The two key personality traits that anyone can incorporate while hosting trainings in an international environment are 'openness' and 'resilience'. Lack of skills of intercultural communication might lead to miscommunication. 


  • QUICK GUIDE

    People are accessing online learning materials at an increasing rate. With the reach of online resources, we want to ensure that the material is accessible to people from all cultures. In order to do this, we consider language choice and usage, accountability to different cultures, and technological aspects.


    Infographic on steps to remember when designing for cultural inclusivity.

  • text-only version of the quick guide

    • You should always remember: 

      • Do not use overly complicated or region specific, the language should be accessible to multi-language speaker. 
      • Language is more than grammar, the choice of words and the context behind those words make a difference. Be mindful of your choices.
      • It is important to include different views in learning design but it is just as important not to overextend your relation to another culture to serve your learning design. Therefore, when possible seek out authentic stories.
      • Design for authenticity by creating meaningful learning opportunities that include a personal connection or ability to express one’s self and opinions and points of view.
      • Locate yourself in the design, make appropriate connection, differentiate when necessary and embrace diversity.

  • Recommendation for Designers

      1. Test the entire or various aspects of the learning experience with diverse group of potential learners, to gain insights about learners perspective
      2. One of the key of culturally responsive teaching is designing assignments that encourage learners to make meaning and construct knowledge in their own context
      3. Apart from making sure the learners could see the applications in professional or every day lives, instructors need to assure that learners from diverse cultural backgrounds can relate to the course and it’s content
      4. Reach out to people with diverse cultural background and get their feedback on how the course resonates to them and be open to change and adjust if needed
      5. A good way of engaging the learners is to create a environment of mutual respect by sharing some aspect of their own context with other participants
      6. Start the course in a creative way instead of jumping right away into the content to make sure that all the learners from diverse background feels welcomed
      7. Offering the learners freedom to choose their project/assignment topic that they find relevant is a good approach towards a learning environment

  • CULTURAL DIMENSIONS

    • There are various cultural dimensions which can be used to get a background of a national cultures. You can also compare the cultures between the countries where you can differentiate across these below mentioned dimensions. Follow this link for comparison across culture 

      Country Comparison - Hofstede Insights (hofstede-insights.com)

      1. Power Distance Index (PDI)
      2. Individualism Versus Collectivism (IDV)
      3. Masculinity Versus Femininity (MAS)
      4. Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)
      5. Long Term Orientation Versus Short Term Normative Orientation (LTO)
      6. Indulgence Versus Restraint (IVR)

      If you want to know more about these dimensions, follow this link here


    • The Feedback culture

      Do you know that different cultures perceive and give feedbacks differently. There are direct and indirect feedback giving cultures across countries. Here's a cultural compass which gives you an idea about it. 




  • LEARN MORE

    • To learn more about how to consider culturally inclusive learning resign check out our in-depth report.

    • Culturally-Inclusive Learning Design File
    • Improving Inclusion in Multi Stakeholders Forum File

      This is a guide on improving inclusion in Multi Stakeholders Forum which mostly focuses on women and indigenous communities. However, there are tips which can be applicable for all. 

    • The Culture Map: The Future of Management URL

      Here's video from a presentation from an American author and professor talking about how cultures can affect projects and businesses in this global world. She shares her experiences working in international environment. 

    • Low Context vs High Context Societies URL

      Erin Meyer, an American professor and author shares her insights on high context and low context societies.