Does cross-cultural training in tertiary education enhance cross-cultural adjustment? A systematic review

The increasing cultural diversity within tertiary education and workplace environments requires students and graduates to be knowledgeable and effective in cross-cultural adjustment and managing potential acculturative stress. One of the ways to increase their cross-cultural adjustment is via cross-cultural training (CCT). Given the predominantly business-oriented nature of previous reviews, this paper systematically examined whether CCT was effective when applied to tertiary students. The analysis of different types of CCT and its outcomes was guided by Ward, Bochner, and Furnham’s (2001) ABC (Affective, Behavioural, and Cognitive) model that comprehensively explained the affective, behavioural, and cognitive facets of cross-cultural adjustment. We reviewed 35 CCT studies published post-1990 with control group design or pre-post training evaluation. CCT in tertiary education has become increasingly multi-method and experiential. CCT programs with behavioural components had the most consistent evidence of effectiveness. Programs with both behavioural and cognitive components were more effective than cognitive- and didactic-alone programs. CCT appeared to be particularly effective in enhancing tertiary students’ academic and career performance. Practical implication and suggestions for future research directions are discussed.     

The Anonymity Effect: The Influence of Anonymity on Perceptions of Sources and Information on Health Websites

The study reported here examined the influence of anonymous sources on health websites on the perceptions and attitudes of information seekers. It was hypothesized that, despite the warnings and guidelines established by health organizations, anonymous sources would be perceived to be as credible and influential as sources that were identified. The anonymity effect, drawn from the similarity principle in attribution theory, was forwarded as a theoretical mechanism to explain responses to anonymous sources. The results indicated that anonymous sources were generally perceived by participants to be as credible and influential as identified sources, although the anonymity effect explanation was not supported. The implications of these findings for information seekers and health practitioners are considered.     

Redefining Hijab: American Muslim Women's Standpoints on Veiling

Feminist standpoint theory suggests that, although powerful discourses attempt to define women on the “margins” of society, women's cultural positions provide them with heightened understandings of the contradictions between their experiences and the ways the dominant group defines them. Thus, while many Americans believe hijab—also called a “veil” or “headscarf”—functions to oppress women, veiled women probably possess alternative understandings. In this study, 13 veiled American Muslim women share their experiences, and under the lens of standpoint theory, the participants' definition of hijab emerges. Specifically, the women inscribe hijab with meanings shaped by their unique cultural standpoints. Hijab functions to define Muslim identity, perform a behavior check, resist sexual objectification, afford more respect, preserve intimate relationships, and provide freedom.     

当众讲话的教学策略

“当众讲话”技能是人的八项核心能力标准体系中“与人交流”能力单元的四个要素之一。本文借鉴德国的“行为导向”教学原则,提出了以能力为本位的教学策略,选取了项目教学、角色扮演和模拟教学三种教学模式,旨在帮助中等和高等学校(学院)的在校大学生掌握克服紧张、树立自信的方法,培养重点突出、条理清晰的思路,提升讲话的欲望和讲话的技巧,增强讲话的说服力和感染力。     

Finding and explaining differences: A reply to Gudykunst and Hammer

A rejoinder to Gudykunst and Hammer's critique of a recent paper is presented. We argue that their position is based on two mutually exclusive propositions and cannot therefore be credible. We continue to maintain that the evidence on intercultural effectiveness shows both culture-general and culture-specific components.     

外语教学中加强大学生的跨文化非语言交际能力

跨文化交际是一门涉及多重因素的综合艺术。非语言交际作为交际的一项重要内容,是一种语义非常丰富的交际手段和重要媒介,它贯穿于整个交际过程之中。相比较语言交际而言,它更能反映一个人的真实态度、心理活动和价值观念,直接关系到交际成功与否。文章分析了大学生在跨文化交际中增强非语言交际的重要意义,并就跨文化非语言交际在外语教学中的内容和训练途径进行了初步探讨。     

Soft skills at the Malaysian institutes of higher learning

This article discusses human capital development through the seven soft skills elements which comprise communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, team work, lifelong learning and information management skills, entrepreneurship skills, ethics, and professional moral and leadership skills. The Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia recently announced that the said soft skills are to be introduced to undergraduates of Institutes of Higher Learning in Malaysia. Suggestions on how these elements are to be incorporated in the undergraduates program are also put forward.     

Intercultural Competence Teaching

It is widely realized that cultural competence is playing an increasingly important role in language teaching because of the close associations between culture and language. To enhance the efficiency o...     

基于移动通信的老人摔倒定位报警腰带系统的研制

本文利用ARM单片机为核心,设计了一个基于移动通信网络的老人摔倒定位报警腰带系统。该系统实现了当老人摔倒后立即向监护人远程报警、同时发送定位信息并开启现场录音功能。监护人也可根据需要提取老人定位信息,控制语音报警系统的开关,全程录制老人运动轨迹等,便于对老人日常活动的监护。该系统已成功完成了软硬件联调测试,能提供摔倒检测、定位、录像、录音、语音报警、远程通信等功能。     

《中国国家地理》新浪微博传播效应分析

【目的】提升科普期刊的微博传播效应。【方法】 统计分析《中国国家地理》新浪官方微博4年间（2009.9.22-2013.9.21）的6882条微博内容及相关信息,并使用北大PKUVIS软件对微博传播个案进行可视化分析。【结果】 《中国国家地理》微博出版已形成一定规模,具备相对稳定的格局和固定的受众群体;传播呈现出多元中心效应,实现多层级深度长效传播;微博链接产生信息自我增强效应,并逐渐脱胎于网站内容移植,形成独立出版机制;微博集成资源,推动了期刊品牌一体化发展。【结论】科普期刊与微博新媒体的融合可以提升科学传播效应,微博在传播范围、传播效果、品牌扩散方面具有媒介优势,能促进科普期刊的良性发展。