Cultural Competence Training as an Approach to Valuing Diverse Cultural Knowledge and Ways of Understanding

Abstract

Cultural competence refers to the ability of individuals and institutions to understand, appreciate, and effectively interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves a set of attitudes, behaviors, and policies that enable individuals and institutions to navigate and respond appropriately to cultural differences and diversity (Cross et al., 1989; Frawley et al., 2020). The practice and study of the cultural competence concept has its origins in healthcare and has extended into the areas of business, education, and the social sciences (Frawley et al., 2020).  The outcomes of cultural competency training include enhanced communication, enhanced cross-cultural collaboration, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion, amongst others (Brottman et al., 2020; Hutchinson & Goldstein Holde, 2021). 

The purpose of this paper is to identify approaches to cultural competency training, where the training can serve asan intervention to further strengthen validation methodologies. Cultural competence training for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practitioners can focuson equipping assessors, advisors, and administrative staff with the skills and knowledge needed to recognize, understand, and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of RPL candidates and learners. Some examples of cultural competence training tailored for RPLcan include cultural awareness workshops, implicit bias training, cultural sensitivity training, cultural humility training,case studies, and scenario-based training, as well as collaborative learning and reflection.  There is no evidence to suggest a particular training method to be more effective than another; many studies recommend multiple pedagogical strategies (Brottman et al., 2020; Chu et al., 2022).  By providing cultural competence training tailored specifically for RPL, institutions can ensure RPL practitioners are equipped to effectively engage with and support candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the fairness, validity, and accessibility of the RPL process.