The challenge of breaking the vicious cycle of stereotypes

As teachers, we aim for our pupils to be successful, to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive in their lives. Our modern society is extremely diversified and multicultural, which represents a richness but can also bring difficulties. For this reason, promoting diversity, open-mindedness, empathy and tolerance in the classroom has become crucial for teachers and schools, with the goal of making an impact on learners and society.
The new edition of the course “Diversity in the classroom: teaching tolerance and overcoming prejudices and discrimination​” took place in Bologna from 04/07/2022 to 09/07/2022. The participants came from a primary school in Greece, with Anastasios, Ioannis, Konstantinos, Apostolos, Stamatina, Stavroula, Efthalia, Efthymia, Efterpi, Zoi from DECATO DIMOTIKO SXOLIO N. IONIAS VOLOU.

The first key step of the course was to explore the concept of identity. The teachers were engaged in the practical and visual activity of drawing their portraits to experience the expression of their own identity. After that the group talked about how our identities may influence the perception of the world and the others. 

​We also analysed the key challenges and concerns in acknowledging and promoting cultural diversity. A TED talk helped us recognize that what makes us and our students who we are is not our country but our whole culture: in fact, our identity is being developed on various and interconnected levels.

​Then, we cannot deal with the concept of diversity without mentioning the notion of stereotypes. We discussed the cause of their existence and their impact, both negative and positive, how we form stereotypes and where they lead us. We implemented the storytelling technique to see how stereotypes can evolve into judgments and discrimination. 

​Moreover, we touched the sensitive topic of awareness and respect. The glasses through which we perceive the world are a product of our identity so the reality is different depending on which glasses we are wearing. The participants did a lot of activities and simulations connected to critical thinking in order to understand how our values affect the culture and vice versa.

The part of the course dedicated to membership helped us to recognize how it feels to be excluded and how difficult it is to include others into our dynamics. The group therefore discussed leadership styles, inclusion and how every member of a group is important and can contribute.

​Finally, an essential concept that the group examined was empathy. We dug into feelings and emotions, fostering teachers to put themselves in other people’s shoes. Being aware of our emotions is crucial but it’s important as well to train ourselves and the students to express them.

In conclusion, it was a bright week full of energy, new knowledge, practice, sharing, deep conversations, ideas and emotions.

Discover more about this course: https://www.erasmustrainingcourses.com/teaching-diversity.htm