Student Ethnocentrism, Dogmatism, and Motivation: A Study of BAFA BAFA

Abstract

Experiential and didactic approaches are both prevalent and potentially valuable; this study seeks to compare and contrast the methods of each. One specific simulation is examined: BAFA BAFA. This intercultural simulation is widely used and supported by educators, but few researchers have empirically tested its effectiveness. The results showed that, although BAFA BAFA did motivate students to do better in class, the simulation actually increased students' ethnocentrism in contrast to courses not using BAFA BAFA. The implications of these findings for education and future research are discussed