Intercultural EducationModule Details

Rationale
Multicultural education and intercultural education are two approaches that need to be included in the curriculum of primary education because of globalization and the cultural blend that characterizes the nature of the world today. It is clear how almost every nation, currently, has a diverse community in various ways. Providing a course that captures the significance of appreciating one another despite our differences is important. In this course, students will learn about other cultures which will result in the acceptance and respect of different cultures. Intercultural education on the other hand, focuses beyond passive co-existence in order to achieve the development of sustainable ways of living together. The course enables the creation of understanding, of respect for and conversation between the different cultures. The course will provide professional knowledge, understanding and attitudes that are essential to adequately respond to cultural diversity. The aim is to provide students with an understanding and an ability to examine the context in which cultural diversity is a matter of concern and avoid mechanisms of exclusion of people with different backgrounds hence, to contribute to the development of an inclusive classroom, school and community.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students will be expected to:

i.    Analyse the following concepts: diversity, culture, cultural diversity, monoculturalism, multiculturalism, multicultural and intercultural education.
ii.   Manage effectively diversity in classroom.
iii.   Promote an environment where identity, culture, differentiation and multiculturalism, are freely expressed which, will lead to the improvement and advancement of teaching and learning.
iv.    Analyse the characteristics of multicultural societies and schools, the dimensions of cultural differences, identity, taboos, bias, racism, in the society and school.
v.    Cultivate an environment of acceptance and respect towards the cultural differences, the differences in values and be open-minded and understanding against anything that is different and unusual.
vi.    Effectively manage a multilingual/multicultural classroom, whilst evaluating and employing the appropriate educational methods and means.
vii.   Prevent practically, behaviours such as: (xenophobic/racist/discrimination/stereotyping and inequality) that are not acceptable in a school and social setting.
viii.   Incorporate ICT tools in order to engage and communicate intercultural activities.
ix.    Plan intercultural activities in the lesson plan such as simulations, role play, visits, events, etc.