Rethinking the relationship between nation, culture, and people

A case study of international appreciation activity with international students at an elementary school

Abstract

This paper examines how elementary school students perceived "group" and "individual" and what kind of awareness was raised through an international appreciation activity. The elementary school students engaged in a collaborative activity with international students, centering on making miso soup. The aim of the activity was to reflect on the topics of "group" and "individual". The results suggest the possibility of overcoming the challenges of the international appreciation activities by focusing on the diversity within groups. It is necessary to further examine the contents and methods of these activities in order to gain a more inclusive viewpoint both of one's own group and other groups.