AI-Enhanced Cultural Conversations

Procedure

Day 1: Introduction to Cultural Conversations

Warm-up (10 minutes)

1. Discuss the importance of cultural context in language learning:

   • How language reflects cultural values and perspectives
   • The role of cultural understanding in effective communication
   • Why cultural authenticity matters in language practice

2. Introduce how AI tools can help practice conversations in culturally authentic contexts:

   • Simulating conversations with speakers from target cultures
   • Providing cultural background information
   • Offering language support and feedback

Exploring Cultural Scenarios (20 minutes)

1. Present several cultural scenarios relevant to the target language:

   • Ordering in a local restaurant
   • Navigating public transportation
   • Participating in a cultural celebration
   • Shopping in a local market
   • Visiting a historic site

2. For each scenario, discuss:

   • Key vocabulary and phrases
   • Cultural norms and expectations
   • Non-verbal communication aspects
   • Potential cultural misunderstandings

AI Conversation Demonstration (15 minutes)

1. Demonstrate how to use AI tools for conversational practice:

   • Setting up a culturally appropriate scenario
   • Using the CRAFT framework to create effective prompts
   • Engaging in a sample conversation
   • Analyzing the cultural authenticity of the responses

2. Show students how to:

   • Request cultural explanations
   • Ask for alternative phrasing
   • Verify cultural information
   • Switch between formal/informal registers

Preparation (5 minutes)

1. Assign each student or pair a cultural scenario to explore
2. Provide guidelines for creating effective conversation prompts
3. Preview homework: researching cultural context for their scenario

Day 2: Practice and Development

Cultural Research Review (10 minutes)

1. Students share key cultural insights from their research
2. Address common misconceptions or questions about cultural contexts
3. Provide additional cultural background as needed

Guided Conversation Practice (25 minutes)

1. Students work individually or in pairs to:

   • Set up their cultural scenario with an AI tool
   • Practice conversational exchanges
   • Document interesting cultural elements
   • Note new vocabulary or expressions

2. Teacher circulates to:

   • Provide guidance on prompt formulation
   • Help evaluate cultural authenticity
   • Suggest follow-up questions
   • Address language questions

Critical Analysis (15 minutes)

1. Class discussion about the AI conversation experience:

   • What cultural elements seemed authentic?
   • What aspects seemed inaccurate or stereotypical?
   • How did the AI handle cultural nuances?
   • What new cultural insights did students gain?

2. Compare AI conversations with authentic materials:

   • Video clips of similar real-world interactions
   • Cultural perspectives from native speakers
   • Differences in phrasing or cultural approaches

Day 3: Extension and Assessment

Conversation Refinement (20 minutes)

1. Students revise their conversation scenarios based on:

   • Cultural feedback from day 2
   • More specific cultural contexts
   • More complex language structures
   • More authentic cultural references

2. Students practice refined conversations with:

   • More detailed cultural elements
   • More nuanced language use
   • More authentic conversational flow

Peer Exchange (15 minutes)

1. Students exchange scenarios with partners and:
   • Try each other's cultural scenarios
   • Provide feedback on cultural authenticity
   • Suggest improvements or extensions
   • Share interesting cultural discoveries

Final Reflection and Assessment (15 minutes)

1. Students complete a reflection addressing:

   • New cultural insights gained
   • Language improvements made
   • How AI helped their language learning
   • Limitations of AI for cultural understanding

2. Students demonstrate a short segment of their cultural conversation for assessment

Additional Resources

• North Carolina DPI Generative AI Implementation Guidelines
• ACTFL World-Readiness Standards
• Cultural Authenticity in Language Learning
• AI for Language Learning: Best Practices