Synchrony. An embodied approach to developing intercultural competence
In order to successfully wield the “double-edged sword” of diversity – reaping its many potential benefits while avoiding its equally manifold pitfalls – 21st Century skills of intercultural communication, cooperation and coordination are essential. In contrast to traditional cognitive approaches, we propose to develop a training module using a novel, evidence-informed strategy that adopts an embodied approach to fostering intercultural competence among students. Specifically, we will employ nonverbal synchrony as a means of establishing an inclusive and cooperative classroom climate and enlarging students’ 21st Century skillset and overall learning output. By harnessing synchrony, we focus on what connects and binds us, not what separates us.