Preparing students towork on multi-cultural teams

Abstract

As industries continue to expand globally there is an increased need for individuals who can work in both inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. These skills can be fostered in the classroom but it is better if they are imparted in a contextual learning environment. Using a team project approach allows these skills to be acquired and improved quickly. This type of learning environment was created during a field research project supported by a National Science Foundation, Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute (PASI) grant, where multi-disciplinary researchers and students traveled to the highlands of Perú to reverse engineer the Inka Road. Project teams included members from six different countries. The project required the team members to work cooperatively with unfamiliar people speaking various languages and utilizing discipline specific terminology. A brief description of the project development and lessons from this multi-cultural teamwork experience are offered. Comments, covering factors that foster multicultural team development and the quality of such experiences are also offered. ©American Society for Engineering education, 2013.