Intercultural Fluencies in Teaching and Learning

About the "Intercultural Fluencies in Teaching and Learning" Series

The "Intercultural Fluencies in Teaching and Learning" program is a six-module series for Teaching Assistants, graduate student course instructors, and faculty members who are seeking further development in intercultural competency skills for teaching in the classroom.

No prior teaching experience or knowledge of intercultural competency is necessary, making this program accessible to everyone. Tailored for both international and domestic educators, the series recognizes the importance of intercultural skills for all students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto. The modules focus on practical strategies and insights to foster an inclusive and dynamic learning environment for diverse classrooms.

The series is rooted in the institutional Enhancing Intercultural Learning Framework (EILF).

Learning Outcomes

Individuals who complete the series should be able to:

recognize and understand the impact of cultural differences on learning and assessment;
navigate the nuances of teaching and learning in a culturally diverse institutional context by using the knowledge, skills, and attitudes described within the University of Toronto's Enhancing Intercultural Learning Framework (EILF);
apply key concepts from the EILF framework to create an inclusive learning environment by integrating pedagogical strategies that promote humility, collaboration, and intercultural competencies; and
integrate culturally responsive teaching and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into curriculum and assessment design, including equitable grading and feedback practices.

Module FAQs

How much time will I need?

This series contains six 30-minute self-paced asynchronous modules. To complete the full series, you will need approximately 3 hours.

Will I receive a confirmation of completion?

Yes. At the end of each module, you will receive a Completion Form.

How can I get tech and other support for completing this module?

If you encounter any technical problems, please email q.help@utoronto.ca. If you have questions about the content or require accessibility accommodation, please contact TATP at 416-978-2242 or services.ta@utoronto.ca.

Can I choose which modules I want to complete?

Yes. We suggest that you begin with Modules 1 and 2 as a foundation for your learning. Then, select any (or all) of Modules 3, 4, 5, and/or 6 to deepen your knowledge and application of interculturality for teaching and learning. Each module can be completed separately and independently, as well as paused and returned to at your own pace of learning. Within each module, there are multiple resources that you can save for your reference and further exploration.

How can I enrol in each module?

Use the links in the following table to self-enrol in each module that you choose. Visit the links below for additional information related to the series and interculturality at the University of Toronto:

Module Descriptions and Links to Self-Enrol
Module Description	Module Link to Enrol
Module 1: Foundations of Intercultural Learning Module 1 will introduce you to key foundations and terminology in intercultural learning at the University of Toronto. As an educator, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own intercultural competency skills, grounded in the six key aspects of the Enhancing Intercultural Learning Framework.	Enrol in Module 1
Module 2: Hidden Curriculum and Critical Pedagogy Module 2 introduces the concepts of hidden curriculum and cultural dimensions of learning, as well as the importance of cultural humility and teaching approaches that can support educators in fostering equitable and inclusive dynamics in culturally diverse classrooms.	Enrol in Module 2
Module 3: Preparing to Teach in the Intercultural Classroom In Module 3 we will consider how positionality impacts pedagogy, and we will explore practical strategies that you can use to prepare yourself to teach - and your students to learn - in an intercultural classroom.	Enrol in Module 3
Module 4: Facilitation Strategies for Culturally Responsive Teaching Module 4 examines the influence of cultural dimensions on learning activities and identifies teaching strategies that can enhance active learning in intercultural classrooms. As an educator, you will have the opportunity to reflect on navigating heated, offensive, or tense moments in the classroom.	Enrol in Module 4
Module 5: Strategies for Culturally Responsive Curriculum Design In Module 5, we will reflect on opportunities for incorporating interculturality into your curriculum design process. As a local context example, we will examine practical strategies for incorporating Indigenous knowledge into your curriculum.	Enrol in Module 5
Module 6: Assessment, Feedback, and Grading in the Intercultural Classroom Module 6 examines knowledge and tools necessary to create assessments, rubrics, and feedback mechanisms that are valid, reliable, and culturally responsive.	Enrol in Module 6

We believe in the power of shared knowledge and so this resource was developed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). University community members are encouraged to adapt and repurpose these resources. Contact us for further details.

This resource was developed as a collaboration between the Centre for Teaching Support and Innovation (CTSI) and the Centre for International Experience (CIE), with funding from the International Student Experience Fund.

Logos: U of T Teaching Assistants Training Program and Student Life Centre for International Experience