Part I. Theoretical basis of using different approaches for developing socio-cultural competence of the 8-grade learners

Going beyond tolerance: Building skills and putting them in action 
Tolerating different cultural backgrounds is a step in the right direction. 
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However, tolerance is not always optimal. In fact, tolerance usually means that you 
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Vescio, T. K., Gervais, S. J., Heiphetz, L., & Bloodhart, B. (2014). The 
stereotypic behaviors of the powerful and their effect on the relatively powerless 

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are simply putting up with something that is undesirable. Cultural competence goes 
beyond “putting up with” differences and instead involves being appreciative, 
affirming, and inclusive of all cultural backgrounds. For example, to increase our 
cultural competence, we can ask members of a cultural group open-minded, open-
ended questions, or ask for more information, such as, “I would like to learn more 
about.” Additionally, making an effort to detect verbal and nonverbal actions that 
certain cultures may not find appropriate (e.g., hand shaking) can establish an 
inclusive environment. 
Overall, cultural competence has three important components: active 
listening, demonstrating empathy, and effective engagement. Each is detailed in the 
next section. 
Active Listening 
When was the last time you engaged in an active listening conversation with 
someone who has vastly different experiences and beliefs than you? Actively 
listening to an individual allows you to learn about that person’s culture and 
experiences. You should listen for total meaning by focusing on the content that is 
being given and concentrating on what is being said. 
Active listening entails thinking about the feeling behind the content or the 
emotion involved. The emotion gives evidence of the real intent of the conversation, 
which will help you identify if the person is upset, inquisitive, or acting on another 
emotion and allow you to respond appropriately. 
In addition to listening for total meaning, you should also avoid mental 
distractions when building cultural competency through active listening. This means 
listening with focus and not becoming involved in mental chitchat about how you 
are going to respond to a person or question. For example, if you believe that 
homosexuality is immoral and a choice and you are in a debate with a friend on the 
(pp. 247–266), in T. D. Nelson (Ed), Handbook of prejudice, stereotyping and 
discrimination. New York: Psychology Press. 

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legalization of same sex marriage, instead of engaging in mental chitchat about what 
scientific or biblical facts you can recite to prove your perspective, the key is 
focusing on what is being said and how it is being said. 
Lastly, once you have listened for true meaning, the other person feels 
understood, and you both have limited mental distractions, you will want to make 
sure you ask more questions of the other person than offer solutions. Do not jump 
directly to giving people advice or offering solutions about what you perceive to be 
the problem or their problem. The response that is effective, especially if you are in 
a situation in which you are responsible for resolving a conflict between two people, 
requires seeking more information and multiple perspectives first.