BARNGA

Topics and Competencies

Awareness of Structural Inequality, Knowledge of Identity-General Characteristics of Inequality, Culture, Simulations

Grade Level

High School, College/Adult

Subject Area Integration

None

Author(s)

University of Michigan

Source

Inclusive Teaching at U-M, University of Michigan

Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan with Raja Thiagarajan, BARNGA: A Simulation Game on
Cultural Clashes, Boston: Intercultural Press, 2006

Date Created/Most Recently Revised

Unknown

Time

45-60 minutes

Setting

Type and Level of Engagement

Group Work, High Engagement

Accessibility

Learning Objectives

• Appreciate differences in communication styles and cultural norms
• Understand sources of cultural conflict
• Learn to communicate effectively across cultures

Materials

• A room with several sets of tables and chairs, enough for each participant
• Sets of rules
• Tournament guidelines
• A deck of cards for each group
• Table marker
• Scrap paper and writing utensils

Instructions

• See Inclusive Teaching website. Participants will play a card game tournament, but different groups are playing by different rules. The differing rules simulate cultural differences.

Variations

Extensions

Assessments

Evidence of Effectiveness

Bauer, K., & Bai, Y. (2015). Innovative educational activities using a model to improve cultural competency among graduate students. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 174, 705-710.

Fowler, S. M. (1994). Two decades of using simulation games for cross-cultural training. Simulation & Gaming, 25(4), 464-476.

Fowler, S. M., & Pusch, M. D. (2010). Intercultural simulation games: A review (of the United States and beyond). Simulation & Gaming, 41(1), 94-115.

Gallavan, N. P., & Webster-Smith, A. (2009). Advancing cultural competence and intercultural consciousness through a cross-cultural simulation with teacher candidates. Journal of Praxis in Multicultural Education, 4(1), 7.

Hofhuis, J., Schilderman, M. F., & Verdooren, A. (2020). Multicultural personality and effectiveness in an intercultural training simulation: The role of stress and pro‐active communication. International Journal of Psychology, 55(5), 812-821.

Koskinen, L., Abdelhamid, P., & Likitalo, H. (2008). The simulation method for learning cultural awareness in nursing. Diversity in Health and Social Care, 5(1), 55-63.

Related Activities

Apples and Oranges

Ratings and Reviews