This chapter reviews research showing that much learning involves physical movement and gesture – thinking and learning are embodied in the physical world and involve interactions with physical objects. Even abstract subjects such as math are better learned when the body is enlisted in the learning activity. Students often have trouble with STEM content because of pedagogy that removes the body from the learning experience. In fact, in many cases expert knowledge itself is embodied, more than is generally realized, and deeper learning requires embodied design. Embodied learning leads to deeper knowledge because the learner has to coordinate two cognitive and motor knowledge; manipulating symbolic notation is often quite similar to moving objects in space. The chapter discusses how to overcome challenges in designing activities, materials, and scaffolding.

This chapter examines incremental transformational learning, as evidenced by the intercultural growth of advanced learners of Russian in the Russian Overseas Language Flagship (ROF); a year-long overseas immersion program. With hybrid structured and open architecture, the ROF utilizes a scaffolded environment of individualized tutorials, small-group work, direct enrollment courses, professional internships, homestays and structured reflections. The study examines IDI- and ILR data, reporting on group-level statistical comparisons of pre/post program intercultural development and language proficiency to document measureable intercultural and linguistic outcomes. The study includes student reports of disorienting dilemmas, reflections on the dilemmas, and proposed “action plans” for dealing with challenges. IDI scores indicate a shift from a mono-cultural mindset toward greater awareness of the mindsets of others and the specifics of one's own cultural lens. The analysis indicates a positive relationship between proficiency levels and the learner's intercultural development as they are better positioned to respond and behave effectively and appropriately as global professionals.