🎙️Building Bridges: Teaching Cultural Competence Through Active Learning

In this final episode of season one, Martha sits down with Dr. Tracy Long, founder of Bridges for Health, to explore how cultural competence can be taught in a way that is immersive, meaningful, and aligned with the principles of active learning.

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to incorporate cultural competency into your curriculum or you’re looking for a new way to engage students in empathy, awareness, and critical thinking, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Long’s work highlights that cultural competence is more than a buzzword, it’s a skill that can be actively practiced.

🔑 Three Key Takeaways:

Active Learning Deepens Cultural Awareness

• Dr. Long’s research demonstrates that immersive experiences, whether abroad or in diverse local communities, enable students to internalize cultural competence in ways that traditional lectures cannot. But even classroom-based activities, when made interactive, can meaningfully engage students in this work.

Curiosity is the Core Competency

• One of the most powerful tools we can teach our students is to lead with curiosity. Instead of defaulting to judgment, students should be encouraged to ask, “Tell me more,” and approach differences as opportunities to learn.

You Don’t Need a Plane Ticket to Teach Cultural Competence

• With creative tools, educators can simulate real-world cultural scenarios that spark discussion, encourage reflection, and invite empathy even if international travel isn’t an option.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ready to use this in your own classroom? Get the Cultural Competency Toolkit here: 👉 learninglabrn.com
• Subscribe to the show: learninglabrn.com
• Join the newsletter and explore active learning tools: breakoutrn.com
• Full transcript: Here

1. Learn More about the Bridges for Health organization mentioned in this episode: HERE
2. Access Dr. Long's free course on preparing for a service trip with nursing students HERE

Please offer your feedback about the show by emailing me!

• If you listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to rate or review the show. This goes a long way toward helping me reach other educators! 😊