TEACHING CULTURAL COMPETENCE: AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY GROUNDED IN THE UNIVERSALITY OF STORYTELLING AS DEPICTED IN AFRICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN STORYTELLING TRADITIONS

Abstract

Social workers serve a varied population. Therefore, exemplary social work practice requires a depth of knowledge and skills that cut across diverse cultural contexts. Because of the universal characteristics of storytelling, this article proposes the use of storytelling as a viable conduit and instructional strategy for teaching cultural competence in schools of social work. By investigating the content, structure, and process of storytelling among, between, and across cultural groups, social work students will be able to develop and integrate an awareness, sensitivity, understanding, and appreciation for the experiential realities of diverse client groups.