How to speak about “Others” who are a part of our class? Students from diverse cultural backgrounds in schools

The aim of this e-module: To provide teachers with instructions on how to

• discuss sensitive topics related to cultural diversity and intercultural communication in the classroom,
• discuss stereotypes about “Others” in a non-discriminatory way,
• organise intercultural education for students with migration backgrounds and students of colour in the classroom.

Other goals are oriented towards:

• developing the ability to work in an intercultural team, including defining one’s role in the team,
• developing skills of cooperation with people from different backgrounds, countries, cultures,
• developing attitudes of openness and kindness towards the “Other”,
• strengthening intercultural competences connected with the process of lifelong education and self-education.
   

Abstract

This e-module deals with how the concept of the “Other” (one that is simultaneously our student/peer in the educational setting) in intercultural education via migration processes is constructed. As a material for didactic inspiration, it offers a reflection on the challenges and difficulties connected with university and school intercultural communication and university and school integration via non-discrimination in a group or classroom. The e-module presents both theoretical materials and exercises that can help teachers and future teachers understand why intercultural communication matters. It supports them in developing strategies related to teaching sensitive topics to students connected with diversity and non-discrimination in intercultural education in the classroom. This e-module focuses on the Polish context.

Objectives:

• to equip teachers and students (future teachers) with basic knowledge about the importance of cultural diversity,
• to help teachers and students think critically about racism, discrimination and marginalisation of minority groups,
• to help teachers and students understand how similarities and differences are reflected in the intercultural teaching and learning process,
• to draw attention to the need for intercultural competences in issues related to intercultural school education, • to raise awareness among teachers and students about how stereotypes function in educational settings.

Target group:

• University graduate students (especially future teachers and pedagogues),
• schoolteachers,
• academic teachers

Keywords: intercultural education, intercultural competences, cultural diversity, racism, non-discrimination, reflective teaching, non-contextual teaching of sensitive topics

The first section focuses on the theoretical presentation of the topic, while the second offers a slight shift from theory to everyday practices and educational context. Links are provided to two short introductory lectures that focus on the danger of a single story and stereotypes in education and especially in intercultural education. The following part discusses teaching methods and the ethical approach. Part IV consists of exercises for students, while the last one offers a checklist for the teacher and concluding reflexive questions. Projected time for the completion of each exercise/task is provided. The objective of the particular exercise/task, the methods, materials, instructions for the teacher and students, introductions to the exercises for students as well as questions for reflections are presented.