Cultural Sensitivity Research Articles

A competency framework for simulation facilitation in low-resource settings: a modified Delphi study.

Skilled facilitators are essential to drive effective simulation training in healthcare. Competency-based frameworks support the development of facilitation skills but, to our knowledge, there are no frameworks that specifically address context-sensitive priorities developed with practitioners working in low-resource settings. We aimed to develop a core competency framework for healthcare simulation facilitation in low-resource settings using a modified Delphi process. We drew on the domain expertise of members of the Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training Community of Practice, with the study guided by a four-member steering group experienced in the conduct of simulation in low-resource settings. In survey round 1, participants (n = 54) were presented with an initial competency set derived from a previous qualitative study and co-created a set of 57 competencies for effective simulation facilitation in low-resource settings. In survey round 2, participants (n = 52) ranked competencies by relevance into three performance categories: techniques; artistry; and values. In survey round 3, participants (n = 50) ranked competencies on their importance. The steering group collated results and presented a draft core competency framework. In survey round 4, participants (n = 50) voted with 98% agreement that this framework represented the most relevant and important competencies for effective facilitation of simulation sessions in low-resource settings. The final 32-item framework encompasses core competencies found in existing standards and includes important new concepts such as demonstration of cultural sensitivity; humility; ability to recognise and respond to potential language barriers; facilitation team collaboration; awareness of logistics; and contingency planning. This competency-based framework highlights specific practices required for effective simulation facilitation in low-resource settings. Further work is required to refine and validate this tool to train simulation facilitators to deliver effective training to improve patient safety.

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Language Learners

This study explores the impact of integrating emotional intelligence (EI) strategies into ESL teaching to enhance student engagement, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience. Conducted in a multicultural classroom with intermediate to upper-intermediate learners, the study implemented role-playing for empathy, group activities for collaboration, reflection journals for self-awareness, and conflict resolution exercises to foster interpersonal skills. Results indicated significant improvements in student participation, emotional regulation, and confidence, as well as a stronger classroom sense of inclusion and support. Student feedback and self-assessment data revealed increased comfort with self-expression and collaboration, emphasizing the value of EI in reducing language anxiety and encouraging risk-taking in language use. The findings underscore the broader benefits of EI-focused approaches, suggesting that these methods not only support linguistic development but also prepare students for cross-cultural communication and social adaptability. This study recommends that ESL educators adopt EI strategies to create emotionally supportive, inclusive learning environments.

Factors Associated With Delay in Seeking Abortion Care Until the Second Trimester at Jimma University Medical Centre: A Prospective Cross‐Sectional Study Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACTObjectiveAlthough the overall abortion‐related maternal mortality ratio has shown a downward trend in Ethiopia, the case‐fatality rate from abortion is still high. This study identified factors associated with delays in seeking an abortion until the second trimester at Jimma Medical Centre, Jimma, southwest Ethiopia.MethodsFrom February to August 2023, we conducted a cross‐sectional study on pregnant women seeking safe abortion care. Participants were selected through systematic sampling from a sample size of 260 calculated based on a previous study's prevalence of second‐trimester abortion (19.2%), with 80% power and a 5% margin of error. Participants were selected using systematic sampling and data were collected by an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. P‐value adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the association between variables.ResultsThe study found a high prevalence of second‐trimester abortion at 58%. Factors significantly associated with delays in seeking abortion services until the second trimester included being from a rural area (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.8), experiencing social stigma (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.9–7.8), being unmarried (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–3.0), having limited knowledge of menstrual periods (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.6), delaying suspicion and testing for pregnancy (AOR = 18.2, 95% CI: 2.1–8.9–37.3), postponing the decision to have an abortion by more than 1 week (AOR = 4.9, CI: 1.0–23.7), and being a primigravidae (AOR = 2.1, CI: 1.1–4.1).ConclusionsBeing from a rural area, social stigma surrounding abortion, being unmarried, limited knowledge of menstrual periods, and being a primigravidae were found to be significantly associated with delays in seeking abortion services until the second trimester. A multifaceted approach and efforts should focus on improving access to healthcare resources in rural areas, reducing social stigma surrounding abortion through education and advocacy, and providing comprehensive reproductive health education to enhance knowledge about menstrual cycles and pregnancy testing adapting to local contexts including employing community‐based approaches, using visual and interactive tools, and ensuring cultural sensitivity.

Cultural Adaptation and User Satisfaction of an Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Program for Depression and Anxiety Among College Students in Two Latin American Countries: Focus Group Study With Potential Users and a Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study With Actual Users.

To scale up mental health care in low-resource settings, digital interventions must consider cultural fit. Despite the findings that culturally adapted digital interventions have greater effectiveness, there is a lack of empirical evidence of interventions that have been culturally adapted or their adaptation documented. This study aimed to document the cultural adaptation of the SilverCloud Health Space from Depression and Anxiety program for university students in Colombia and Mexico and evaluate user satisfaction with the adapted program. A mixed methods process was based on Cultural Sensitivity and Ecological Validity frameworks. In phase 1, the research team added culturally relevant content (eg, expressions, personal stories, photos) for the target population to the intervention. In phase 2, potential users (9 university students) first evaluated the vignettes and photos used throughout the program. We calculated median and modal responses. They then participated in focus groups to evaluate and assess the cultural appropriateness of the materials. Their comments were coded into the 8 dimensions of the Ecological Validity Framework. Phase 3 consisted of choosing the vignettes most highly rated by the potential users and making modifications to the materials based on the student feedback. In the final phase, 765 actual users then engaged with the culturally adapted program and rated their satisfaction with the program. We calculated the percentage of users who agreed or strongly agreed that the modules were interesting, relevant, useful, and helped them attain their goals. The potential users perceived the original vignettes as moderately genuine, or true, which were given median scores between 2.5 and 3 (out of a possible 4) and somewhat identified with the situations presented in the vignettes given median scores between 1.5 and 3. The majority of comments or suggestions for modification concerned language (126/218, 57.5%), followed by concepts (50/218, 22.8%). Much less concerned methods (22/218, 10%), persons (9/218, 4.1%), context (5/218, 2.3%), or content (2/218, 0.9%). There were no comments about metaphors or goals. Intervention materials were modified based on these results. Of the actual users who engaged with the adapted version of the program, 87.7%-96.2% of them agreed or strongly agreed that the modules were interesting, relevant, useful, and helped them to attain their goals. We conclude that the adapted version is satisfactory for this population based on the focus group discussions and the satisfaction scores. Conducting and documenting such cultural adaptations and involving the users in the cultural adaptation process will likely improve the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions in low- and middle-income countries and culturally diverse contexts.

An assessment of translating religious and magical aspects in "Arabian nights" into English

This thesis discusses the difficulties of translating "Arabian Nights" from Arabic to English, focusing on cultural and religious elements. It analyzes translation strategies from the 19th century to the present by using Katharina Reiss' text typology framework. English translations nevertheless influenced by historical biases and misconceptions. Modern translations show more cultural sensitivity but struggle to fully convey nuances. Market expectations often lead to domestication in translation approaches. The research emphasizes the tension between making the text accessible to Western audiences while keeping its cultural authenticity. It contributes to discussions on literary translation and cultural preservation, emphasizing the need for more complex, culturally aware approaches in translating works across diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes. This study provides insights to inform future translation efforts and cross-cultural literary studies, addressing the difficult balance between reader accessibility and cultural integrity in literary translation.

Exploring the use of artificial intelligence in humanitarian supply chain: empirical evidence using user-generated contents

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the various challenges of humanitarian supply chains (HSC) and how these challenges can be addressed using artificial intelligence (AI).Design/methodology/approachThis study employs exploratory analysis to identify various issues in HSC and the use cases of AI to address these issues through published literature. Subsequently, we collected tweets from Twitter and posts from LinkedIn using relevant keywords over four months. The collected data were cleaned, analyzed and interpreted to gain insights into users' perspectives on the various issues and use cases of AI in HSC.FindingsThe analysis reveals that various issues of HSC such as logistical challenges, security concerns, health and safety, access constraints, information gaps, coordination and collaboration, cultural sensitivity, funding constraints, climate and environmental factors and ethical dilemmas are predominantly discussed in published literature. Meanwhile, user-generated content reveals different levels of prioritization of these issues and AI attributes and offers AI-based solutions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is subject to certain limitations, including a restricted data collection period of only four months and the use of just two social media platforms. These limitations could be addressed by conducting a more comprehensive and extended data collection across additional platforms to produce more conclusive findings. Another limitation is the lack of contextual information, which may have provided more specific insights.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is possibly the first paper to explore both published literature and the collective intelligence of social media users to examine AI attributes, the various challenges of HSC and how AI can address these challenges.

Cultural Competence in Chinese Language Education: Discussing the Importance of Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language

Background and Aim: Cultural competence plays a significant role in successful language education. Studies have shown that culturally sensitive pedagogy enables teachers to connect language to an accurate cultural context, preventing misappropriate language use. This study examined the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Materials and Methods: Data was collected using observation, interviews, and systematic reviews of academic journals. The classroom observation was selected because it provides first-hand data about how educators teach the Chinese language. The researchers also observed the impact of cultural awareness on teaching methods and outcomes. Interviews were conducted using open-ended questionnaires to obtain the benefits of cultural awareness and sensitivity in teaching the Chinese language. The systematic review helped in extracting data from the previous studies. The inductive and deductive thematic analyses were conducted based on the guidance from Byram’s intercultural competence framework. Results: The findings showed that cultural awareness and sensitivity are important in teaching the Chinese language because they improve critical cultural awareness, linguistic competency, and the ability of language educators to translate and communicate effectively. The various elements of linguistic competency that teachers demonstrate include comprehension, connotation, convention, and conditioning. Conclusion: Cultural awareness and sensitivity also help language educators empower learners and enhance their capacity to become better intercultural communicators. The paper suggests that Chinese language teachers should make regular visits to China to enhance their cultural awareness. Educators should also try various strategies, including double translation, comparison, and situational settings to integrate cultural awareness into their teachings.

Nurturing care: perceptions and practices of caregivers for children under five in the Ecuadorian highlands – a qualitative study

IntroductionThe importance of nurturing care for child development is well-established, and parents play a central role in providing this care. However, cultural values and traditions can influence child-rearing practices, and there are gaps in child welfare in Ecuador. Two research questions delve into caregivers’ definitions of nurturing care for children aged 0–5 and its alignment with World Health Organization’s concept.MethodsA qualitative methodology was applied to comprehensively explore caregivers’ perspectives and application of nurturing care across diverse cultural contexts in rural areas of Cotopaxi and Loja in Ecuador. Using snowball sampling primary caregivers, healthcare professionals, childcare workers, and community leaders were interviewed and participated in focus groups, examining its congruence with WHO’s Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development.ResultsWhile there is alignment with the WHO framework, the study reveals challenges such as a lack of awareness of the term “nurturing care” among participants. Findings also indicate issues in health communication, reliance on traditional medicine, and myths around nutritional practices. The role of technology in early learning is explored, noting both its advantages and disadvantages. Notably, preventive health activities were not mentioned, emphasizing a universal need for knowledge.ConclusionThis study urges tailored interventions for nurturing care, emphasizing success tied to robust healthcare and child protection. Urgency lies in cultural sensitivity, local adaptation, and targeted training for implementation. These insights contribute significantly to the global discourse, stressing the importance of context-specific approaches. Implications are crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to elevating care quality for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Assessing the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) for Latinx Parents of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Within Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling and Structural Equation Modeling-Based Generalizability Theory Frameworks

Although the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) is widely applicable, there has been a dearth of research on the psychometric properties and item wording effects associated with the cultural sensitivity of the instrument. This study investigated the psychometric properties, the factor structure, and the negative and positive item wording effects of PSI-SF for 96 Latinx parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States within exploratory structural equation modeling, and structural equation modeling-based generalizability theory frameworks. This study produces the following noteworthy findings. First, the ESEM bifactor model with negatively and positively phrased items best captured the theoretical frameworks underlying the structure of the PSI-SF. Second, adding method factors enhanced the model fits of all the factor models. Third, this study discovered several items with great proportions of method factors. This study recommended that the items with high proportions of method factors, which may likely be culturally insensitive to Latinx parents, be examined further and refined. With the use of accurately assessed PSI-SF scores, practitioners will be better able to support and empower Latinx parents of children with IDD and better meet their needs through the FIRME program, a parent advocacy initiative.

Introducing medical students to cultural psychiatry: perspectives and reflections on developing and delivering an elective module.

Cultural sensitivity, competence and curiosity are essential for clinicians. To promote these, we developed an elective module in cultural psychiatry for medical students, consisting of eight seminars. In seminar eight, we used film clips to teach mental state examination. We comment on the development and delivery of the module, and offer a selection of student feedback. Cultural psychiatry could be better integrated into core medical school curricula, and we call for research to explore this.

Combating HIV among youths in Sub-Saharan Africa through inclusive health education

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among youths in Sub-Saharan Africa underscores the exigency for effective prevention education programs tailored to their needs. This article examines barriers hindering HIV prevention efforts for youths in the region and proposes strategies for developing more inclusive and impactful health education interventions. Despite the challenges faced by HIV-positive adolescents, comprehensive youth-friendly services remain limited. Impediments such as stigma, poverty, and lack of health-care infrastructure obstruct HIV prevention. Access to information and services, negative attitudes of service providers, and scarcity of youth programs present challenges. The article discusses approaches such as involving youth in program design, establishing community advisory boards, mobilizing community health workers, integrating services, engaging schools, employing gender-sensitive methods, and advocating supportive policies. These strategies aim to enhance cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and accessibility of education for all youths. Sustained commitment through ongoing funding, monitoring, capacity building, and multisectoral collaboration can empower youths with the knowledge and support needed to curb their long-term risk of HIV.

AI integration in creative industries: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract. This paper delves into the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the film and creative industries, with a focus on AI-driven content creation, audience engagement, market analytics, and the ethical considerations that accompany technological integration. Through detailed analysis of specific applications, such as scriptwriting, visual effects, personalized content, and recommendation systems, the study reveals how AI technologies are reshaping traditional creative processes and audience interaction. It also addresses the implications of AI on employment within creative sectors, intellectual property, authorship rights, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in AI applications. By examining both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, the paper aims to provide a balanced view on the future of work in creative industries and the ethical framework needed to guide the responsible use of AI technologies.

Incorporating Cultural Sensitivity Into ESL Curricula To Foster Pragmalinguistic Competence

This study explores strategies for incorporating cultural sensitivity into English as a Second Language (ESL) curricula to enhance learners’ pragmalinguistic competence, the ability to use language pragmatically and appropriately within social contexts. By examining approaches such as culturally relevant content, cross-cultural pragmatics training, and practical language activities, this study analyzes how integrating cultural sensitivity into language instruction fosters learners’ ability to navigate linguistic nuances. Findings suggest that a culturally sensitive curriculum not only enriches linguistic knowledge but also significantly enhances learners’ competence in communicating appropriately across diverse cultural contexts.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a new curriculum for transcultural nursing education: a mixed-method study

BackgroundIn recent years, limited studies have evaluated the development of cultural awareness, sensitivity, skills, communication and competence among nursing students using different models and curricula.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new internationally developed curriculum for transcultural nursing education.MethodsThis mixed methods study was conducted on nursing students (n = 83) who attended a transcultural nursing course from 2021 to 2022 during the fall semester. A paired samples test was used to compare total scores, and the related-samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare subscale scores.ResultsThe vast majority (94.0%) of the participants mentioned Islam as their religion. Turkish was the mother tongue of 91.6% of them, while 10.8% were able to speak English and 6.0% were able to speak Kurdish fluently. The mean score for the achievement of cultural competence subdimension posttest was significantly greater (p < 0.001). Posttest mean scores for challenges and barriers in providing culturally competent care subdimensions were significantly lower (p = 0.003). The mean score on the culturally sensitive communication subdimension pretest was 21.00 ± 4.76, and the mean score on the posttest increased to 23.02 ± 6.05, which was a statistically significantly greater difference (p = 0.024). According to the qualitative results of our study, five main themes were analyzed: transcultural nursing as an opportunity, transcultural nursing as a didactic process, transcultural nursing as a professional field, transcultural care as a safe environment, and transcultural care as an obligation.ConclusionsIn this study, after a semester of continuing education, nursing students developed respect for cultural diversity, cultural competence, and culturally sensitive communication.

Developing the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing

PurposeThis paper describes the development of the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing, and details the experiences of some of WECARE’s 17 members.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores and situates the WECARE team’s experiences within extant literature on cross-national and collaborative research groupings alongside a strongly practical focus.FindingsThe study’s findings included effects of member mindsets and motivations, differentiated benefits and challenges of membership, cultural sensitivity, research capacity-building, leadership, communication, data security and planning.Originality/valueCross-national research is seen as an important part of academic researchers’ activities. Yet, little has been written about how cross-national research groups form and operate, and what benefits and challenges their members experience.

Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed medications in hospitals, yet a significant portion of their use is inappropriate, contributing to the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Pakistan, AMR has reached alarming levels with the rise of multi- and extensively drug-resistant bacteria. This study evaluates antibiotic prescribing practices and the use of culture sensitivity (CS) testing to assess the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy. Methods This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in a 500-bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, analyzing inpatient records from 2020 to 2022. From over 5000 patient files, 1012 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The study assessed the rationality of antibiotic prescriptions based on the evidence of infection (EoI), clinical parameters, and the presence or absence of CS testing. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards regression, were applied to determine the association between antibiotic use and patient outcomes. Results Among the 1,012 patients analyzed, 91.8% (n = 929) received one or more antibiotics. However, 30% (n = 274) of these prescriptions were issued without any documented EoI.Only 17.5% of patients underwent CS testing. Patients exposed to five or more antibiotics had a 2.5-fold increased risk of ICU mortality (HR = 2.50, p < 0.001). A positive correlation (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) was found between the number of antibiotics prescribed and the length of hospitalization. Conclusion The findings of this study reveal a high rate of inappropriate antibiotics prescribed without EoI and CS testing. The results emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASPs) in hospital settings, particularly focusing on mandatory CStesting protocols. By reducing irrational antibiotic use, these initiatives can significantly mitigate the rise of AMRglobally, especially in resource-limited settings. Implementing ASPs not only optimizes antibiotic use but also aligns with the WHO recommendations, demonstrating the effectiveness of multifaceted interventions in minimizing resistance and improving patient outcomes.

Cross-Cultural Views on Contemporary Philippine Literature in English

This study explores cross-cultural views on contemporary Philippine literature in English, focusing on how foreign critics engage with and interpret Filipino literary works written in the postcolonial language of English. While Philippine literature in English has gained traction globally, varying interpretations among foreign critics reveal a unique reception shaped by differing cultural frameworks. However, a gap exists in fully understanding how these cross-cultural perspectives influence both the global visibility of Philippine literature and its local authenticity. This study aims to investigate this gap by analyzing the critical reception of contemporary works, where colonial and postcolonial identities are often discussed but less often reconciled. The research employs a qualitative content analysis method, drawing on secondary data from literary reviews, journal articles, and critiques from publications. The analysis reveals that while foreign critics often appreciate the political engagement and thematic depth of Philippine literature in English, they may overlook its cultural specificity, leading to a somewhat generalized perception. The study concludes that greater cultural sensitivity in criticism could enrich global understanding and appreciation of Philippine literature. It also recommends more collaboration between Filipino scholars and foreign critics to address these cross-cultural disconnects. The findings underscore the importance of critical discourse in enhancing the global literary standing of Philippine contemporary works.

Quantifying the Impact of Career Preparedness Programs for Saudi Students with Disabilities

This study examines the impact of job readiness programs on Saudi students with impairments, utilizing a quantitative research methodology. Using a purposive selection strategy, people were selected, and a standardized survey questionnaire was used to gather data on program participation, perceived skill development, cultural factors, and employment outcomes. Descriptive data, t-tests, regression analyses, correlation analyses, and ANCOVA have been employed for data analysis. The findings track strong relationships between application components, perceived skill gain, and employment outcomes. Regression analyses indicate that both the extent of program engagement and the perceived learning of skills significantly impact employment outcomes. The ANCOVA analysis suggests that application involvement has a greater influence on employment outcomes compared to cultural factors, however, both factors contribute to the overall model. Suggestions entail addressing cultural sensitivity in program design, prolonging program durations, and cultivating a supportive environment for inclusive training and career advancement. The purpose of these insights is to provide information for improving career readiness programs for students with impairments in Saudi Arabia. Received: 9 June 2024 / Accepted: 28 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Study of Etiopathological Factors, Clinical Parameters and Culture Sensitivity of Patients Suffering from Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Study of Etiopathological Factors, Clinical Parameters and Culture Sensitivity of Patients Suffering from Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Enhancing multimodal output in CLIL education: the impact of VR games on fourth-grade students’ English poster designs and presentations in Taiwan

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of multimodal input and digital virtual reality (VR) games in enhancing EFL learners’ productive language skills, a significant gap remains in empirical research examining their impact on multimodal output—particularly writing and speaking—within content and language integrated learning (CLIL) science education. This quasi-experimental study addresses this gap by investigating the potential benefits of using VR games to enhance fourth-grade CLIL students’ productive language skills, specifically writing and speaking, through the analysis of their ability to convey scientific concepts in multimodal output. Grounded in self-regulated learning (SRL) theory, the study compares the effects of multimodal input embedded in VR games with those of traditional PowerPoint (PPT)-led games on students’ English poster designs (writing) and oral presentations (speaking), using the 4Cs (Content, Communication, Cognition, and Culture) framework in multimodal assessments. The study involved 81 fourth-grade students from three Taiwanese public elementary schools, divided into an experimental group (EG = 40) using VR-based games and a control group (CG = 41) using PPT-led games for content review. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative evaluations with rubrics based on the 4Cs framework and qualitative rater reflections to provide a comprehensive understanding of how different review methods influenced student performance and creative output. Quantitative findings revealed that students using VR review games significantly outperformed those using traditional PPT games in aspects of Content and Cognition for both poster designs and presentations, demonstrating greater depth, accuracy, and application of scientific concepts and higher-order cognitive skills. In terms of Communication, the EG showed higher target vocabulary usage and sentence complexity in presentations, but no significant differences were found in Culture outcomes between the groups or in Communication in posters. Expert raters’ reflections further highlighted that students using VR games exhibited more innovative and integrated use of scientific content, critical thinking, and multimodal expressions, reflecting deeper engagement with the material. This study empirically demonstrates that game-based virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs) significantly enhance students’ multimodal output in content and cognitive skills. Theoretically, it extends the application of SRL in CLIL contexts by highlighting the potential of VRLEs to foster advanced cognitive skills and emphasizes the importance of multimodal assessments in capturing comprehensive student learning outcomes. Future research should explore integrating cultural content into VR environments to enhance students’ cultural awareness and sensitivity.