The work world and global marketplace is quickly becoming more and more multi-cultural. In these settings and with these groups of trainees, culturally appropriate training (CAT) can and should be followed to ensure that the training is well-received and that it does not "backfire" due to cultural differences. Training development and delivery needs to incorporate certain principles of CAT and avoid other inappropriate methods. In this paper we will examine these, including:
Using language as an ice-breaker
Learning objectives (for the original presentation as well as this paper);
Adult learning principles (ALPs – as a "given")
Diversity training (as a "given")
Various definitions of "culture"
Elements of culture
Examples of culture
CAT and its definition
Valuable traits for CAT trainers
How to prepare for CAT
Involving others in CAT
Dos and don'ts for CAT
Culturally in appropriate training (CIT)
Great quote on "culture"
Here's a nice way to open a training session on CAT – the word "greetings" in 22 other languages (with each ones country, location, or people): Aloha! (Hawaiian), Bonjour! (French), Buenos dias! (Spanish), Buon giorno! (Italian), G'day! (Aussie), Geia sou! (Greek), Guten tag! (German), Hallo! (Icelandic), Keshi! (Zuni), Konnichi wa! (Japanese), Kwai! (Abenaki), Nabat! (Somali), Namaskar! (Hindi), Ni hao! (Mandarin), Oki! (Blackfoot), Pryvit! (Ukrainian), Rozhbash! (Kurdi), Salaam! (Arabic/Farsi), Shalom! (Hebrew), Tan kahk! (Passamaquoddy Tribe), Yokwe! (Marshallese), and Zhivjo! (Slovenian)!
The learning objectives (for the original presentation as well as this paper) were or are as follows:
Describe the basic principles of good training/adult learning
Define "culture" and "culturally appropriate training" ("CAT")
Describe what research should take place before CAT
Explain the importance of involving the "persons of culture" in CAT
Explain the use of CAT surveys
Approach trainees just before their CAT course
List three each dos and don'ts of culturally appropriate training
Explain the pitfalls of culturally in appropriate training (CIT)
ü Develop culturally appropriate training
If we're going to engage in CAT or any training for that matter, it should be a "given" that it will be good training and we will use good adult learning principles (APLs). Good training is good training no matter what type it is EHS, CAT, OJT, or any other. These ALPs include (but are by no means limited to) the following:
Self-directed: Adult learners are very self-directed.
Immediate need or nature: Adult learners prefer their training to be about things of an immediate nature or need.
Directly applicable: The topic and materials should be directly applicable to them.
Involved in setting the agenda: Adult learners prefer to be directly involved in setting the agenda.
