Adapting cultural materials to meetstudent needs

Abstract

This reflection article examines the importance of adapting cultural material to meet student needs and program objectives in two different educational contexts: Indonesia and Colombia. A needs analysis was done at both universities, resulting in material adaptation and development. While intercultural understanding and communication was the content of classes taught in both settings, the needs of students varied greatly. Adapting material for critical thinking (Üstünlüoglu, 2004) and gender roles were the focus in Indonesia; conversely, in Colombia combining TOEFL-prep within a content-based course (Coté, 2013) and incorporating diverse religious perspectives were needed. The necessity of considering specific student populations as well as program goals is discussed for future teaching implications.