US Embassy Dhaka announces free Massive Online Open Course for non-native English teachers

US Department of State is set to sponsor a free Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) for non-native English teachers and education professionals interested in developing an understanding of culture and tools for analyzing, understanding, and negotiating differences between cultures. 

"This course is provided by World Learning on behalf of the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program," the US Embassy Dhaka announced.

It is a self-paced MOOC; participants study independently without facilitation from an instructor.  Enrollment is currently open at https://www.canvas.net/browse/fhi-pd/courses/integrating-critical-thinking.  Participants may enroll in this course until August 14, says a press release.

This "Integrating Critical Thinking Skills into the Exploration of Culture in an EFL Setting" MOOC is designed for non-native English-speaking teachers of English and education professionals interested in professional development opportunities.  The exploration of culture in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) setting requires helping students engage in authentic situations to develop the ability to navigate across a variety of cultures. 

This course will help participants explore what critical thinking is and how it aids in developing intercultural competence.  Participants work through numerous examples of related activities and lesson plan elements, as well as ways of evaluating students' progress in these areas. 

Participants may enroll in this course until August 14, 2020.  After enrolling, participants may log in at any time -- day or night -- to access the course.  All five modules of coursework must be completed by August 24, 2020.  Participants who complete the required activities with a score of 70% or higher will receive a digital badge and certificate. 

At the end of the course, participants will be able to demonstrate an understanding of culture, intercultural competence, and what it means to be a "cultural being."  Participants will also be able to apply concepts about cultural learning and their assessment options through the use of rubrics, determine "description" versus "interpretation" as it relates to cultural understanding, critical thinking, and professional development, and learn how to implement lesson plans specifically for teaching culture and critical thinking, and become part of an international learning community with learners around the world.