Intercultural Competency in a Globalized World: Preparing Learners for Effective Global Citizenship
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Abstract
In an increasingly interconnected world, fostering intercultural competency is essential for preparing learners to function effectively as global citizens. This study, titled Intercultural Competency in a Globalized World: Preparing Learners for Effective Global Citizenship, examined the relationship between two key intercultural competencies cultural awareness and empathy and learners’ engagement in global citizenship activities. Guided by two null hypotheses, the study employed a survey correlational design to gather quantitative data from a stratified random sample of 280 participants across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, and analyzed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed a strong, statistically significant positive relationship between cultural awareness and learners’ levels of global citizenship (r = .654, p = .000), indicating that culturally aware learners are more likely to exhibit global citizenship traits such as intercultural understanding, social responsibility, and collaborative global engagement. Similarly, results showed a moderately strong, statistically significant positive correlation between empathy and learners’ engagement in global citizenship activities (r = .523, p = .000), suggesting that learners with higher empathy are more inclined to participate meaningfully in global issues and intercultural collaboration. These findings align with existing literature and underscore the importance of integrating cultural awareness and empathy into educational practice. The study recommends curriculum reforms to promote intercultural learning, teacher training in global citizenship education, and the inclusion of experiential and reflective learning strategies. Such approaches are crucial for equipping learners with the competencies required to navigate global complexities and contribute to sustainable development, peace, and intercultural cooperation.
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