Training to bridge multicultural geographies of perspectives

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that global change calls for training in intercultural, interdisciplinary and interparadigmatic professional behaviour. Thus a concrete web‐based five‐level training procedure “Surfing global change” (SGC) is to be proposed that includes reflection of game players' own knowledge, views and values. Rules of SGC are to be defined in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a didactic analysis, the design of the negotiation game SGC is a rhythmised sequence of learning content, reviewing colleagues' work, debating competitively and constructing a consensus on a multi‐stakeholder theme. Hereby learners acquire a 360° view of the issue and learn to understand their adversaries.

Findings

For two dozens of themes, Surfing global change has successfully been implemented for students of “Global studies” and of “Environmental systems analysis” and other interdisciplinary curricula at several universities.

Practical implications

Practically, one or two dozen students can follow two or more weekly hours during a semester in order to play “Surfing global change”. A wealth of multi‐stakeholder themes can be explored using this gaming procedure moderated by the author. Learners bridge “geographies of perspectives”.

Social implications

Resilience and employability of students increases with their improved intercultural, interdisciplinary and interparadigmatic skills.

Originality/value

This paper defines the normative set of rules of this original game created by the author. Surfing global change has already attracted international rewards.

Citation

Ahamer, G. (2012), "Training to bridge multicultural geographies of perspectives", Campus-Wide Information Systems, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 21-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650741211192037