CultureALL’s Open Book program is the focus of a newly published peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy. The study concludes that Open Book’s format is an effective way of engaging students in learning while also achieving intergroup understanding, more so than panel talks and presentation-style formats that are more commonly used on college campuses.

The journal article was co-authored by the study’s lead researcher, Jeevanjot “JJ” Singh Kapur at the University of Iowa, a graduate of West Des Moines schools. Full citation: Kapur, J. S., Shin, J., Kittle, A., Woods, J., & Kivlighan, M. (2026). Beyond the sage on the stage: Testing a reciprocal storytelling model to cultivate empathy in college classrooms. Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy, 1–27. Link to article – https://doi.org/10.1080/15505170.2026.2615670

Open Book is a story sharing experience that starts with a trained storyteller who describes a pivotal moment of their own life. Their first-person narrative launches the group into deeper reflection and discussion.

Researchers believe Open Book may be particularly valuable in Midwest states, where cultural norms inhibit open discussions about differences. They suggest that students raised in 'Midwest Nice’ cultures benefit from Open Book because it is highly effective at strengthening social bonds, reducing isolation, and fostering meaningful, shared understanding.

CultureALL created Open Book in 2018, led by Project Consultant Karen Downing. In this video, Karen describes ways she's seen CultureALL be a powerful experience for participants. She explains: “People are really tentative right now. Your neighbor can look really different from you. Having a conversation can be hard if you don’t have a program that makes it possible.”

About CultureALL

CultureALL Ambassadors, Open Book storytellers, and 100+ presenters from 50+ cultures engage Iowans of all ages in experience-based learning. Our human-centered approach for developing multicultural mindsets supports organizations in strengthening team dynamics, fostering a culture of belonging, and enhancing how people engage with one another and the communities they serve.

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