CURV 802 - Cultural Competent Communication
Course Description
Effective communication across diverse cultural contexts is vital in today’s healthcare and clinical education environments. Whether you're a healthcare educator, clinical instructor, or an emerging professional, this microcredential validates the advanced communication skills required to engage with learners from varied cultural backgrounds.
In Cultural Competent Communication Skills in Clinical Education, you’ll demonstrate your ability to foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment. From understanding cultural nuances in communication styles to addressing potential biases in clinical education settings, this microcredential evaluates the competencies needed to deliver culturally responsive instruction and foster an environment of inclusion and respect.
You will also be required to:
- Identify and adapt communication strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Apply culturally competent approaches in real-world clinical education scenarios
- Use inclusive language and teaching methods to enhance engagement and learning outcomes
What to Expect
When you enrol in this microcredential, you'll gain access to resources and exercises that will help you refresh your skills in cultural competence in clinical education. You'll then complete an assessment to showcase your ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultural contexts in clinical settings. An expert will review your work, providing personalized feedback. If you meet our standard for expertise, you’ll earn a Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Curv Microcredential from The Chang School that validates your ability to:
- Analyze diverse cultural communication needs in clinical education environments
- Develop strategies for delivering inclusive and culturally competent instruction
- Apply communication techniques that foster an inclusive, respectful, and effective learning environment
- Address biases and cultural barriers that may impact clinical education and learner engagement
- Justify your approach by demonstrating your decision-making process and the rationale behind your strategies
For the assessment, you will:
- Be assigned a realistic clinical education scenario that requires you to adapt your communication style and instructional approach to suit diverse cultural perspectives
- Use a provided template to capture your work and document key strategies, techniques, and communication plans
- Record a video walkthrough explaining your cultural competency strategies and decision-making process to complete the assessment
Meet the Curv Creators
This microcredential was created by Martina Douglas, Director, Community, Culture, and Belonging at the TMU School of Medicine. Martina is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) educator, trainer, facilitator and consultant with over 10 years of experience working in the fields of anti-racism; anti-oppression; and equity, diversity and inclusion.
This microcredential was created by Dr. Trudy McFarlane, a Family Physician, GP Psychotherapist, and Medical Consultant with expertise in culturally competent clinical education and health equity. Dr. McFarlane is also an Assistant Clinical Professor and Associate Dean, Black Flourishing in Medicine and Healthcare at the TMU School of Medicine.
Who Should Take This Program?
This microcredential is for educators and healthcare professionals who want to validate their ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultural contexts in clinical education. Whether you're an experienced clinical educator, a healthcare trainer, or an education professional looking to expand your cultural competency, this microcredential is designed for you. By completing this microcredential, you will demonstrate your expertise in fostering inclusive and effective learning environments, ensuring you can engage diverse learners and thrive in clinical settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for this microcredential?
You should have foundational knowledge and experience in clinical education and culturally competent communication. If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of the following statements, then you may be ready to enrol:
- Experience communicating with diverse learners in clinical or educational settings
- Familiarity with cultural competence frameworks and their application in clinical education
- Ability to adapt communication strategies to meet the needs of learners from different backgrounds
- Understanding of how biases and power dynamics affect communication in clinical education
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Comfort using digital tools for communication and virtual collaboration
What do I need to do for the assessment?
You will analyze a provided scenario and develop a culturally competent communication strategy for a clinical education setting. Your strategy should align with best practices in inclusive communication and effectively support diverse learners.
You will need to:
- Design a communication plan that demonstrates cultural awareness and inclusive engagement
- Justify your approach by explaining how it aligns with learner needs and clinical education objectives
- Submit a video walkthrough or a written response with a screen recording to showcase your decision-making process
What are the technological requirements for the assessment?
You will need the following tools:
- A stable internet connection (no minimum speed required)
- A computer with an internet browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox; Chrome is recommended for optimal experience)
- A webcam and microphone for recording your lesson delivery
- A mobile phone* capable of receiving SMS text messages for two-factor authentication
Why do I need a mobile phone?
You will need a mobile device for two-factor authentication to access the my.torontomu.ca portal and the micro credential environment (D2L Brightspace)
How much time do I have to complete the assessment after enrolling?
Your microcredential will last for six weeks. During the first two weeks, you will have access to the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace) to explore the supporting materials and complete practice activities. These materials are self-paced and can take approximately 2 to 7 hours, depending on your experience.
Starting in the third week, you will have access to the assessment scenario and materials. You can open the assessment window and complete it any time during the second week. The assessment is time-limited, and it is recommended that you follow the suggested time limit (e.g., three hours) outlined in the Assessment Information section.
What are my support options?
Upon enrolling, you will have access to refresher resources and exercises. Your expert assessor will be available through the D2L Support Forum for any questions prior to the assessment. If you have any questions or experience any technical issues, you may contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Computing and Communications Services (CCS) by email or phone.
What happens once I complete the assessment?
You will receive your result from an expert assessor one week after completing the assessment.
- If you meet the criteria and pass the assessment, you will receive a shareable Curv microcredential digital credential from The Chang School at Toronto Metropolitan University. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or anywhere you wish to showcase your achievements.
- If you do not pass the assessment, you may re-enroll in the next offering of this microcredential. Be sure to review your feedback and ensure you fill any gaps in knowledge or skills before re-registering.