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Challenging the Single Story and Embracing Multiple Narratives

In her TED talk "The Danger of a Single Story", Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2009) explains how a "single story" — a one-sided or incomplete view of a person, culture, or place — can create stereotypes and misunderstandings. For educators, this means that focusing on only one version of a culture or identity can harm students' understanding and reinforce negative assumptions.

To challenge these single stories, teachers can start by introducing students to a variety of perspectives. For example, instead of just teaching about a culture through one historical event or a stereotyped image, educators can share different stories from people in that culture. This helps students see the full picture and avoid reducing an entire group to one narrative. In her talk, Adichie (2009) mentions how people often viewed her as just an "African writer" because they only knew one side of her story. Educators can help students see that people are more than just one story by showing different parts of their lives and experiences.

Another way educators can challenge single stories is by giving students opportunities to share their own stories. When students tell their own experiences, it helps others see them as complex individuals, not just as members of a particular group or culture. This also encourages students to listen to and understand perspectives that are different from their own.

How Multiple Narratives Can Be Adopted in a Non-Diverse Classroom

In a non-diverse classroom, such as in Vietnam, adopting multiple narratives can help broaden students’ understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Even if students share similar backgrounds, introducing global viewpoints can challenge stereotypes and encourage empathy.

One way to do this is by incorporating literature, history, and media from different parts of the world. Teachers can include stories, books, and articles that showcase diverse cultures, even if these cultures are not represented in the classroom. For example, reading works from authors in Africa, the Middle East, or Latin America can expose students to different ways of life (Adichie, 2009). Additionally, including materials that highlight regional diversity within Vietnam—such as the experiences of ethnic minorities—can help students understand the variety of cultural identities in their own country.

Teachers can also use media like documentaries, films, or guest speakers from different cultural backgrounds to bring diverse narratives into the classroom. This helps students engage with stories beyond their own experiences. Moreover, encouraging critical thinking and reflection on how local and global issues are connected can expand students' perspectives (Adichie, 2009).

By embracing multiple narratives, educators can foster a more inclusive and open-minded environment. This prepares students to engage with a globalized world and develop empathy for people with different backgrounds, even in a less culturally diverse setting.

References

Adichie, C. N. (2009). The danger of a single story [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story

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In what ways can teachers develop their intercultural competence to effectively navigate and leverage cultural diversity in the classroom, and how can this process transform their teaching practices?

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In what ways can teachers develop their intercultural competence to effectively navigate and leverage cultural diversity in the classroom, and how can this process transform their teaching practices?

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Developing intercultural competence is no longer an option, but a necessity for teachers in today's culturally diverse classrooms. As educators, we must recognize that our students bring with them a wealth of cultural knowledge, experiences, and perspectives that can enrich our teaching practices.

Educators play a crucial role in challenging the concept of "single stories," which oversimplifies complex cultures and identities. By promoting a variety of narratives and perspectives, teachers can help students understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of human experiences. This approach not only fosters deeper intercultural understanding but also encourages empathy and respect for diversity. Through the inclusion of literature, media, and personal narratives from various cultural backgrounds, educators can create an engaging learning environment that highlights the importance of multiple viewpoints in shaping individual and collective identities.

For instance, the National Education Association's (NEA) 2020 Diversity Toolkit provides teachers with practical strategies and resources to support diverse learners (NEA, 2020).

Another way teachers can develop their intercultural competence is by engaging in reflective practice. As Gay (2018) notes, "teachers must be aware of their own cultural identities and how these influence their perceptions of students and their teaching practices" (p. 12). By reflecting on their own cultural biases and assumptions, teachers can begin to see the world from their students' perspectives.

Furthermore, teachers can develop their intercultural competence by building relationships with students and families from diverse backgrounds. This can involve learning about students' cultural practices and traditions and incorporating diverse texts and materials into the curriculum. As Ladson-Billings (2017) argues, "teachers must be willing to learn from and with their students, rather than simply imparting knowledge" (p. 160).

In conclusion, developing intercultural competence is essential for teachers to effectively navigate and leverage cultural diversity in the classroom.

References:

Adichie, C. N. (2009, July). The danger of a single story [Video]. TED.

Gay, G. (2018). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). Teachers College Press.

https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story

Ladson-Billings, G. (2017). "But that's just good teaching!": The case for culturally relevant pedagogy. Theory into Practice, 56(1), 159-165.

National Education Association. (2020). Diversity Toolkit: Cultural Competence for Educators.

Paris, D. (2019). Culturally sustaining pedagogies: Teaching and learning for justice in a changing world. Teachers College Press.

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As an educator, I recognize that developing intercultural competence is essential for fostering an inclusive classroom where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story (2009), highlights how relying on a single narrative can reinforce stereotypes and limit our understanding of others. She explains that when one perspective dominates, it distorts reality and marginalizes those whose stories remain untold. This reflection challenges me to be intentional in presenting multiple perspectives in my teaching. If I fail to do so, I risk reinforcing misconceptions that exclude or misrepresent certain groups.

James A. Banks (2008) emphasizes that citizenship education must prepare students to engage with diverse perspectives. This aligns with my belief that students should critically analyze dominant narratives rather than passively accepting them. Similarly, Lewis (2017), in The Archaeology of Self, underscores the importance of self-reflection in dismantling biases. As educators, our worldviews influence our teaching practices, material selection, and interactions with students. By examining my own biases, I can ensure that I present a broader, more inclusive view rather than defaulting to dominant narratives.

Challenging single stories in the classroom requires integrating diverse voices into the curriculum. Instead of presenting literature, history, or social studies from a Eurocentric lens, I can incorporate works from historically marginalized groups. Adichie (2009) warns that single stories reduce people to stereotypes, limiting students’ understanding of different cultures. By including diverse narratives—such as indigenous knowledge systems and underrepresented voices .I can help students appreciate the richness of multiple perspectives.

Critical discussions also play a vital role in disrupting stereotypes. Creating opportunities for students to examine how single stories emerge and their impact fosters deeper understanding. For instance, when discussing immigration, I can introduce personal immigrant narratives alongside policy debates, encouraging students to see beyond political or economic perspectives. This approach cultivates empathy, critical thinking, and a broader worldview.

Self-reflection is essential for both educators and students. Lewis (2017) stresses that teachers must continuously examine their biases, question their knowledge sources, and seek professional development that challenges their perspectives. Validating students' lived experiences in the classroom also helps dismantle single stories. When students share their cultural backgrounds, discussions become richer, fostering a learning environment where all identities are valued.

Ultimately, embracing multiple narratives enhances intercultural understanding by challenging static identities and dominant perspectives. Banks (2008) argues that students should see themselves as part of a global community. By actively incorporating diverse perspectives, I can create an inclusive classroom that equips students to engage thoughtfully and empathetically with the world.

References

Adichie, C. N. (2009, October 7). The danger of a single story [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story

Banks, J. A. (2008). Diversity and citizenship education: Global perspectives. Jossey-Bass.

Lewis, C. (2017). The archaeology of self [Interview]. In M. G. Kellner (Ed.), Teacher education and the struggle for social justice (pp. 45-62). Routledge.

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Response

In her strong TED talk, "The Danger of a Single Story," Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warns about the problems of oversimplifying rich cultures, identities, and experiences.  She emphasizes how important it is for teachers to question simple stories and to include many different viewpoints in their classrooms. Shields, 2019 stated “……To foster real change, we must bring diverse narratives skills and experiences to the forefront”. Teachers are very important in changing narrow views about different cultures or even about themselves. They can do this by sharing various viewpoints, encouraging students to think critically, helping them understand others' feelings, getting involved with the community, and teaching media skills in the classroom, as explained below. This way can also help people understand each other better across different cultures.

1.     Encourage thinking and self-reflection: Teachers should start by checking their own beliefs and thoughts about different cultures, including their own.  This means recognizing the limited and simplified views people may have and understanding how these views affect their beliefs and teaching methods. They should also encourage students to challenge stereotypes and biases by looking at different sources and viewpoints about various cultures and identities.

2.     Encourage a variety of learning materials: Look for and include different books, resources, and viewpoints that truly show various cultures.  Avoid using stereotypes.  Use literature, media, art, and invite speakers from different backgrounds to share a wide range of cultures, histories, and experiences.

3.     Build Understanding: Talk with students, have them think about things, and do activities that help them understand and care about people from different cultures. Encourage them to share their own stories so everyone feels safe and included, and make sure they respect all different points of view.

4.     Connecting with the community: meet local groups, cultural centers, and people from different backgrounds to include real voices and experiences in the classroom.

5.     Teach media literacy: Teach students how to understand and think critically about how different cultures are shown in media, this will help them spot any biases or stereotypes.

Embracing multiple narratives can enhance intercultural understanding in the classroom by:

1.     Broadening knowledge and perspective: Learning about different stories helps students see and understand the many different experiences people have. This challenges common stereotypes and encourages respect for different cultures.  For example, looking at different viewpoints on immigration can help students learn about the complicated reasons people move to new places and the difficulties and benefits that immigrant bring to their new communities.

2.     Building Empathy and Understanding: When students listen to and interact with different people and their stories, they learn more about the lives of people from various cultures.  This helps them feel compassion and have a positive view of cultural differences, while also reducing unfair judgments about others.  Instead of just reading a textbook about a country's history, students could look at personal stories or watch films made by people from that country.  This helps them understand the experiences of those people in a deeper and more emotional way.

3.     Encouraging Thoughtful Thinking: Looking at different stories helps students think carefully about their own beliefs, biases, and advantages.  This leads to a better understanding of themselves and more awareness of other cultures.  For example, looking at different history stories about a conflict can help students understand how bias and point of view affect how history is told.

4.     Creates a welcoming classroom: When different voices are appreciated and respected, students feel more included and encouraged to share their own experiences, leading to a friendlier and more supportive learning space.  For instance, making a classroom library with books that have characters from different backgrounds can help students feel included and appreciated in the classroom.

5.     Students for a global world: In our connected world, it’s important to understand and value different views to do well.  Understanding different stories helps students interact better with people from various cultures and work towards a fairer and more equal world.

In conclusion, by questioning "single stories" and welcoming different perspectives, teachers can make learning better for all students.  This can help students become informed, understanding, and involved citizens of the world, while also encouraging respect and understanding between cultures.

References:

Adichie, C. N. (2009). "The danger of a single story." TED Global. Retrieved from: [https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story]

Gay, G. (2018). "Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice." (3rd ed.). Teachers College Press.

Banks, J. A. (2015). "Cultural diversity and education: Foundations, curriculum, and teaching." (6th ed.). Routledge.

Hammond, Z. (2014). “Culturally Responsive Teaching And The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement And Rigor Among Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Students”. Corwin.

Shields, C. M. (2018). Transformative leadership in education: equitable and socially just  change in an uncertain and complex world (2nd ed.).

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Reflection one

As the world evolves amidst intercultural infiltration, educators need to embrace the changing circumstances of classroom dynamics and face the new reality. Globalisation of education comes with cultural diversity that characterises the whole phenomenon. These two seamlessly cannot be decoupled; therefore, teachers need to adapt to these penetrating conditions by developing a responsive approach to eradicate cultural disconnection in schools.

Teachers need to develop self-competence and capacity through self-reflection and acceptance of the cultural dogma existing in the educational environment. It is a reeling wheel that will never end because of migration. According to Banks (2001, p.5), “Teachers must develop reflective cultural, national, and global identifications themselves if they are to help student become a thoughtful, caring and reflective citizens in a multicultural world society”. This implies that it will take a culturally responsive teacher to foster a classroom environment that incorporates varied cultural norms, languages and ethnicities. The reality of the changing narrative of education calls for a holistic shift in ideological thinking rooted in nationalism to an objective rationalisation for educational sustenance and function. Teachers must covertly accept this paradigm wholeheartedly and develop comprehensive pedagogical strategies that are invasive in principle and practice.

Additionally, teachers should actively participate in cultural activities and programs to broaden their horizons and also to discover the hidden intricacies of the world, especially one that has to do with the way of life. According to Homans (1967, p.10), “An important assumption within mainstream knowledge is that objective truths can be verified through rigorous and objective research procedures that are uninfluenced by human interests, values, and perspectives”. Cultural and advocacy programs are important learning curves for cultural assimilation and tolerance. It is a means to exhume cultural stereotypes ingrained by society. Teachers are supposed to be multicultural citizens in the globalised world, versatile in pedagogical approaches both in value and perspective.

Finally, teachers need to participate in Professional Development (PD) as a means of sensitisation. Banks, et al. (2001, p.6) “Continuing education about diversity is especially important for educators because of the increasing cultural and ethnic gap that exists between the nation’s teachers and students”. They further asserted that PD will help teachers uncover and identify personal attitudes, become acquainted with diverse perspectives, implement equity pedagogy and provide equal opportunity for successful schools. PD programs are very succinct in enhancing teacher cultural and also pedagogical skills.

References

Banks, J. A., Cookson, P., Gay, G., Hawley, W. D., Irvine, J. J., Nieto, S., Schofield, J. W., &     Stephan, W. G. (2001). Diversity within unity: Essential principles for teaching and             learning in a multicultural society. Phi Delta Kappan, 83(3), 196–203.                https://doi.org/10.1177/003172170108300309

Banks, J. A. (2001). Citizenship Education and Diversity: Implications for Teacher Education.

Journal of Teacher Education, 52(1), 5–16.

Homans, G. C. (1967). The nature of social science. New York:

Harcourt Brace.

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How might educators challenge the 'single stories' that are about other
cultures or themselves, and how might embracing multiple narratives
enhance intercultural understanding in the classroom?

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How might educators challenge the 'single stories' that are about other
cultures or themselves, and how might embracing multiple narratives
enhance intercultural understanding in the classroom?

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From my professional experience as a residence manager at IIT Jammu, I believe fostering intercultural competence among educators is critical for creating an inclusive academic environment.

As per Banks’ (2001) framework on multicultural citizenship education, educators must first engage in critical self-reflection to examine their cultural identities, biases, and assumptions. This process involves several steps, such as interrogating the upbringing, social privileges, and implicit biases that shape interactions with students from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Many educators must confront internalized stereotypes about regional, caste, or linguistic groups prevalent in India (Banks, 2001). By recognizing their “positionality,” educators can move beyond ethnocentric teaching practices and cultivate empathy.

Educators must actively integrate multiple narratives into curricula and dialogues to challenge “single stories” (Adichie, 2009). Banks (2001) emphasizes that knowledge construction is not neutral; dominant historical or cultural narratives often marginalize minority perspectives. At IIT Jammu, this could involve incorporating case studies on India’s tribal innovations, celebrating festivals from underrepresented communities, or inviting guest speakers to share counter-narratives. Fearon’s (1999) analysis of identity as a “social category” underscores that reducing individuals to monolithic labels (e.g., “Kashmiri” or “Dalit”) perpetuates exclusion. Instead, educators should highlight intersectional identities—students as engineers, artists, or multilingual thinkers—to humanize diversity.

Practical strategies for developing intercultural competence will include training workshops on culturally responsive pedagogy, addressing microaggressions, and mediating cross-cultural conflicts. Collaborative projects that pair students from differing backgrounds to solve real-world problems, fostering mutual learning. Reflective journals are where educators document biases uncovered during student interactions and adjust practices accordingly.

References
Adichie, C. N. (2009, July). The danger of a single story [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story

Banks, J. A. (2001). Citizenship education and diversity: Implications for teacher education. Journal of Teacher Education, 52(1), 5–16.
Fearon, J. D. (1999). What is identity (as we now use the word)? Unpublished manuscript, 1–33.

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Developing Intercultural Competence and Embracing Diverse Narratives in Education

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Developing Intercultural Competence and Embracing Diverse Narratives in Education

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In this discussion, I am going to be addressing the three questions related to developing intercultural competence, challenging single stories, and utilizing self-reflection to enhance teaching practices.

In my understanding, these questions focus on how educators can effectively navigate and leverage cultural diversity in the classroom, the importance of embracing multiple narratives to challenge stereotypes, and how self-reflection and understanding one's identity can shape and transform their approach to teaching, which is also reflected in my teaching journey.

In the early part of my teaching journey, I struggled with issues of identity in the classroom a lot. As a new teacher, I found it challenging to navigate the diverse identities of my students while also understanding my own. Sealey-Ruiz (2020) emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, beliefs, and the "archaeology of the self," which resonated deeply with me as I watched the video. She highlights the need for educators to engage in introspection to confront personal biases, as these biases directly impact teaching practices. Her work reinforced my belief that self-exploration is essential for creating an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom. Understanding my own identity and biases allowed me to adapt my teaching methods to better meet the needs of all students, ensuring that each student feels seen, heard, and respected.

In the process of self-reflection, I also recognized the importance of challenging the "single story" narrative. This concept, popularized by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her TED Talk The Danger of a Single Story (2009), made me realize how easily stereotypes are perpetuated when we limit our understanding of others to a single narrative. I made a conscious effort to incorporate diverse perspectives into my lessons, encouraging students to share their own stories and experiences. This not only enriched the classroom environment but also fostered empathy and helped students recognize the complexity and diversity of cultures beyond stereotypical representations.

Through self-reflection and embracing diverse narratives, I have grown as an educator. These practices have transformed my teaching, allowing me to create a classroom where cultural diversity is celebrated. My ongoing self-exploration has enhanced my ability to teach effectively in a multicultural classroom, where all students can thrive. By acknowledging the importance of identity, confronting biases, and embracing multiple narratives, I strive to foster an environment of inclusivity, mutual respect, and academic success for all students.

References:

·       Adichie, C. N. (2009). The danger of a single story. TEDx Talk.

·       Sealey-Ruiz, Y. (2020). Archaeology of the Self: The Power of Reflection in Teacher Education [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OwC_3cLRJO8

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Reflection on Developing Multiculturalism and Intercultural Competence in Teaching

I am Yoruba by tribe, but I taught English studies in government schools in Lagos State, Nigeria, for over ten years. Lagos is where students from different ethnic groups—Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and many others—sit together in the same classroom. Teaching in such a diverse setting has taught me that developing multiculturalism and intercultural competence is not just important—it’s necessary for creating a classroom where every student feels valued and included.

One of my biggest lessons is that building trust with students from different backgrounds takes time and effort. While students may naturally feel more comfortable with teachers from their ethnic group, I’ve found that showing genuine care and respect for their cultures can help a lot. For example, making efforts to learn about their culture, traditions, and even a few words in their languages might help them feel valued and make it easier for them to connect with me.

But it’s not always easy. Nigeria’s diversity is often exploited by politicians and others who use ethnicity and religion to divide people. Sometimes, these divisions spill into the classroom. Students might bring biases or stereotypes from their communities, and as teachers, we have to work hard to create a classroom where everyone feels safe and valued. Adichie (2009), cautions about the “danger of a single story.” She explains that when we reduce people to stereotypes, we miss out on seeing their full humanity. In my classroom, I reject this by encouraging students to share their own stories and experiences, which helps them see beyond the divisions of tribe or religion.

Developing intercultural competence also means looking at myself. Ruiz (2013) talks about the “archaeology of self,” which involves digging deep into my own cultural identities and biases. I’ve had to reflect on my own biases and ask myself a few questions: Do I treat all my students equally? Am I unconsciously favoring Yoruba students? These reflections have helped me become more aware of my actions and more intentional about creating a fair and friendly classroom.

To address this, Banks (2001) states that teachers must actively address diversity through inclusive practices. So, teachers will need to encourage students to share stories from their own cultures. This will not only make learning more engaging but also help students appreciate the richness of Nigeria’s diversity. It’s a way of showing them that every culture has something valuable to offer.

I’ve also learned that intercultural competence isn’t something you can develop overnight. It’s a continuous process. though formal training opportunities for teachers in Nigeria are limited, engaging with students’ communities by attending cultural events, talking to parents, and learning about my students’ lives outside the classroom will help me understand their worlds better and make me a more empathetic teacher.

In a country like Nigeria, where diversity is both a strength and a challenge, teachers have an important role to play in helping students appreciate differences and find unity. Developing multiculturalism and intercultural competence isn’t just about teaching—it’s about creating a classroom where every student feels like they belong. And this is one of the most important things we can do as educators.

References

Adichie, C. N. (2009, July). The danger of a single story [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story

Banks, J. A. (2001). Citizenship education and diversity: Implications for teacher education. Journal of Teacher Education, 52(1), 5–16.

Ruiz, S. (2013, November 28). The archaeology of self [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwC_3cLRJO8

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The Danger of A Single Story

Humans are impressionable and vulnerable in the face of a single story. Stories are defined by 'NKALI’, which means POWER ; In this context, power is the ability not only to tell the story of another person but to make it the definitive story of that person (Adichie, 2019).

Educators must recognize the concept of "a single story" and how it can amplify biases and blind spots. As Robertson (2005) notes, cited by Hamm (2021), when storytelling is political and flows in only one direction, it creates an incomplete picture that can foster social hostility

Educators, leaders, and students should recognize that everyone has multiple individual stories. Understanding different perspectives in storytelling is essential. Paulo Freire (1970) highlights that storytelling is a dialogical learning experience, fostering bonds and relationships through shared narratives

To challenge the "single stories" about cultures, educators must intentionally foster peace in their classrooms and communities. They should seek to understand the complete narrative and use storytelling as a teaching strategy to promote critical thinking and diverse perspectives.

I believe The Three Rs of Leadership will provide schools with solutions to combat these challenges.

1)    Relationship: The first step towards combating a single story is being in a ‘Relationship’. Leaders and educators alike must be willing to build healthy, powerful relationships in their classrooms, schools and communities by communicating, creating time and fostering trust and respect. When being in a relationship is valued time is available for listening, caring, accepting and being with others Biddle (2012, p. 25). Schools  …. May very well be the only environment left where teachers leaders and children have a chance to craft a new narrative about diversity and colour Hamm (2021).

2)    Reciprocal Learning: Educators should understand that teaching and storytelling are not just one-way exchanges. This is similar to the concept of a "single story," where a group is portrayed one-dimensionally (Adichie, 2019). Teaching is a constructive process where individuals develop their own meanings and understandings (Biddle, 2012, p. 42). To foster this understanding, we must embrace diverse narratives in literature, history, and social studies. For example, when discussing immigration, include personal stories from various cultural backgrounds. Encourage students to share their personal stories /experiences and be open to listening to others. Additionally, educators can reflect on their own assumptions and share how their views have changed through meaningful conversations.

3)    Critical Reflective Practices: Reflection is not always critical, and practice isn’t always reflective (Biddle, 2012). According to Biddle (2021), reflection has two main purposes: to understand how power dynamics shape educational interactions and to question the assumptions and norms that are imposed on us (Brookfield, 1995). This relates to Adichie’s insights on how power influences storytelling. Encouraging students to share their personal/ cultural narratives fosters understanding and empathy towards others. Classrooms should promote open dialogue and inquiry, while teachers should reflect on their biases and admit when they lack knowledge.

References

Adichie, C. N. (2019, January 1). The Danger of a Single Story. In TED [Speaker]. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story

Biddle, J. K. (2012). The three Rs of leadership : building effective early childhood programs through relationships, reciprocal learning, and reflection. Highscope Educational Research  Foundation. https://aura.antioch.edu/facbooks/13/

Hamm, L. (2021). Turnulence : Leaders, Educators, and Students Responding to Rapid Change. Rowman & Littlefield.

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Stories are thoughts, perceptions and/or world views put into words therefore to challenge single stories, a good place to start would be to identify and challenge those thoughts that have influenced our perceptions of ourselves and others and/or shaped our views of how the world operates and our place in it.

Another thing to look out for are biases. The human mind is wired to see life through single stories. It's a way to help us simplify the world and not be bogged down with too much information. Unfortunately, in this process we form biases without realising them. We must first admit that we have them and then become intentional about thinking differently. Someone said that a bias is like the water a fish swims in, the fish does not notice the water until it is taken out of it. This is true of how we form opinions. Challenging our biases can be difficult because it is an unlearning process (and we are bound to make mistakes along the way) but what will be most damaging is for educators not to want to do anything about them. We must intentionally expose ourselves to other knowings, experiences and perspectives. We don't need to agree with them but we must know that they exist and respect the fact that they are valid - at least to those who hold them. In education, the training of the educator never stops. To be effective, an educator must be abreast of current information (from multiple perspectives) and be open to receiving more. Learning can come from any one - both are instructors, colleagues and students. There is always something to learn if we are open to do so.

Regarding our world views, it is important to accept the damaging impact of thoughts and ideas of supremacy which have colonized our minds. Colonialism is not something that happened a long time ago and is over now. Beyond politics, it is about power and perpetuates itself through power - the power to control another. As an educator from a developing country, it is easy to only see colonization as what the Europeans did to Africa. In today's world, it's not only a black/white thing but a practice that relies on our 'othering' of those that we perceive to be less (or weaker) than us and wanting to control them tell them what to do. Colonization is a continuous process that molds the entire human, our perspectives and how we judge things. There are so many 'colonial' practices that we have internalised and will pass on from generation to generation if we do not actively decolonise our minds and see value in others and their perspectives. As a teacher, I tell my students that learning is not about right or wrong but must extend to an exploration of the reasons for whatever opinions we hold - which would sometimes be contrary to what I am telling them. Should I force my students to only say yes to what I tell them, that will be me colonizing (controlling) them (and invalidating their way of knowing/thinking) in a round-about way.

To my mind, the whole idea of being better than others or others being better than us- whatever the metrics we use to judge is risky because no two people's journeys or stories are the same. Sometimes, better or worse may just be a matter of perspective. Some may have had it 'worse' than others but their experiences may have helped to build resilience that others lack - such that they are able to survive in any situation. One example I like to use is the experience of being a Nigerian. As Ngozi Okonjo Iweala described us in one of her TED Talks, Nigerians are a mass of 'chaotic' people. As a Nigerian, I know that she didn't mean it negatively. To foreign eyes, Nigerians are a mass of over 200 million passionate people forced to strive, live and succeed together. The daily process to doing that definitely appears chaotic however, it belies a unique gifting and builds an uncommon resilence in us that helps us survive and excel wherever we find ourselves. Someone said that there is no part of the world where you will not find a Nigerian doing well and I believe it to be true - though I am yet to travel round the world. Our collective disadvantage fosters in us, the will to survive that we may never have if we were exposed only to the better things of life. Nigerians have learnt to abase and abound. These are lessons no one can teach or learn in a classroom.

Cultural competence is good, no doubt but I prefer cultural humility. To me cultural humility takes cultural competence from just knowing about other cultures and their ways of being/knowing to accepting that they are valid (at least to those who practise them); reflecting on ourselves (perceptions, assumptions, knowings etc.) and how our cultures may have shaped (or mishapen) us; and being open to learn from other cultures. It is a continuous process that never ends. A judge in a Nigerian case defined [customs] as a 'mirror of accepted usage'. Others' cultures may appear 'backward' but they mirror the acceptance of the people who practise them. For that reason alone, they are worth knowing about, critically thought of and positives drawn out. No one knows it all and what may be valid in one situation may not be so much in another.

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I believe that developing intercultural competence as an educator begins with a willingness to embrace the vulnerability of our own stories, recognizing that they shape who we are and how we perceive others. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, profoundly impacted my understanding of this process. When she says, “the single story creates stereotypes” and “they make one story become the only story” (Adichie, 2009), it resonates with me because it reminds me of times when I have unconsciously reduced someone’s identity to a simplistic narrative. I think that acknowledging this vulnerability, recognizing the comfort in familiar stories but also the limitations they impose, is the first step toward cultivating genuine intercultural understanding. It requires reflecting on our cultural biases and assumptions while also acknowledging our humanity and seeing intercultural encounters as opportunities to learn about and with others. This self-exploration helps me see how experiences shape my worldview and, therefore, impact my behavior and practices. I believe that to challenge the single stories about others, I must first question the single stories I tell about myself.

Adichie’s statement, “stories matter” (2009), reminds me of the importance of including multiple narratives in the classroom, not only for inclusion but for justice as well. Although I am not a teacher, I work in education, and I believe that allowing students to see themselves reflected in the curriculum and validating their experiences is a transformative approach. Teaching, in this sense, becomes an act of empathy, where educators are not merely transmitters of knowledge but facilitators who promote conversations that honor complexity. A way to do this is by allowing everyone to share their stories and perspectives, creating a safe environment where everyone is welcomed for who they are, rather than being pressured to fit in or conform. By creating a space where vulnerability becomes a strength and where all stories are valued, cultural diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated, enriching the learning experience for everyone.

Adichie, C. N. (2009). The danger of a single story [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story