Schools and educational programs are increasingly welcoming individuals from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. One of the key challenges for teachers is not only helping students adapt to new cultural environments but also fostering open, critical mindsets that value and celebrate diversity rather than overlook or reject it. The new edition of the course “Intercultural learning and cultural diversity in the classroom” took place in Palermo from 06/10/2024 to 12/10/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Audronė Auškelienė, Ramunė Sarnickienė and Rita Samukienė from Valstybės institucijų kalbų centras in Lithuania; Petra Dekleva and Anita Knez from OŠ Jožeta Krajca Rakek, Slovenia; Despoina Iosifidou and Konstantina Gouti from Greece, Primary school of Nea Karvali; from Germany, Reichswald-Gymnasium Ramstein-Miesenbach, Hanna Peters; from Austria, Doris Umile, HTL Spengergasse Wien V, 1050, Vienna. Then we had one participant from Finland, Emilia Linnavuori, Kalliolan Setlementti ry; Eva Goossens, Theuns van Rhyn and Heidi Rall from International School Laren, Netherlands; and finally two participants from Germany, Diego Gormaz Lobos, IPM and Ingrid Marie Fink, Volkshochschule Fichtelgebirge. The course began by emphasizing the significance of reflecting on the meaning of words. Participants collectively worked to develop their own understanding of “intercultural learning” and examined the distinctions between the terms “multicultural”, “cross-cultural” and “intercultural” to enhance their awareness when describing and interpreting interactions between different cultures. Throughout the course, we explored the connection between culture and education. Participants engaged in activities designed to raise awareness of how cultural influences shape both teaching and learning styles. The aim of these exercises was to encourage participants to reflect on the attentiveness and cultural sensitivity required from teachers when distinct cultural patterns emerge in the classroom. We began by exploring the concept of identity as an initial step towards understanding diversity. Through a visual activity, participants reflected on their own identities and the connection between identity and culture. The final topic we addressed was inclusion. Participants first took part in simulation exercises to recognize and discuss the challenges of intercultural communication. These activities encourage students to question common assumptions and explore connections between different cultures. Another set of group activities focused on the concepts of belonging and empathy. These group challenges can be adapted to various subjects and classroom settings, helping students appreciate the value each member contributes while fostering empathy for the needs and differences of their classmates. In conclusion, participants had the chance to engage with diverse cultures through social interactions and cultural activities. This experience fostered community and empathy, enriching and deepening their understanding of intercultural communication. By sharing their unique perspectives, they laid the groundwork for more inclusive practices in their educational paths. Discover more about this course here.
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Welcome to the ELA Blog. Here you will find articles and photos of our courses and have a look at the topics addressed during the week in Bologna, Palermo and Tenerife. You will also have the chance to take a peek at our projects and check out what we have been up to.
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