INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION– The Answer to Diversity in the Classroom (6-day)

Significant ethnic, social and religious groups have been part of our society. In the context of increasing diversity in our society, schools have a role to play. Intercultural Education is the response to classroom diversity aiming to go beyond passive coexistence, to achieve a developing and sustainable way of living together in multicultural societies through the creation of understanding of, respect for and α productive dialogue between the different groups. Intercultural education is valuable to all pupils in equipping them with skills to participate in an increasingly diverse society. Through programmes that encourage dialogue between pupils of different cultures, beliefs, religions and individual characteristics education can make an important and meaningful contribution to societies.

This 6-day course gives participants theoretical background about intercultural education, as well as practical guidelines to integrate activities and implement programmes across the areas of curriculum and school life. Discussions, site visits and group work will enrich sharing ideas and exchange of practice between participants. There is also the possibility to extend the course to 7-day.

The amount of 480 euro includes course fees, course material, museum tickets and tours.

During the course, participants will:
• acquire knowledge about the concepts: diversity, culture, cultural diversity, monoculturalism, multiculturalism, multicultural & intercultural education
• examine ways of managing diversity in classroom and creating inclusive culture in schools
• introduce the importance of cultural awareness and understanding cultures in building relationships
• study the aims, role, characteristics and models of intercultural education
• get in touch with Cypriot communities and their coexistence; and the intercultural education in Cyprus
• discuss the integration of intercultural content across the areas of curriculum and identify opportunities
• examine the use of ICT tools for classroom communication, intercultural dialogue and finding resources • plan intercultural activities and elaborate examples of good practice
• visit sites, museums, monuments etc. and plan activities/ programmes

Preparation:
After confirming registration, participants will be informed about the details of the course (arrival, daily programme etc.). Participants will be able to introduce themselves and bring a few examples of activities/ programmes about diversity implemented by their school or community.

DAY 1
WELCOME • Participants introduce themselves, practices and policies that are applied at participants’ schools and countries, course programme overview.
THEORY • Diversity, cultural diversity, understanding differences. Activities for cultural awareness and expression. From monoculturalism to multiculturalism and interculturality, migration in Europe and refugee crisis. Intercultural education (the role, objectives and characteristics). ICT tools for classroom communication.
DAY 2
THEORY • Intercultural Education (models and European dimensions), racism. Activities that encourage communication. Intercultural activities in a multicultural classroom. Inclusive education, creating an inclusive culture in schools. ICT tools for intercultural dialogue. Intercultural Education in Cyprus. How two communities coexist in Cyprus?
DAY 3 TOUR IN LIMASSOL • Visit to Old city center, Carob Mill Museum, Medieval Castle & Museum • Data collection for the group work.
DAY 4
THEORY • School planning, classroom planning, the integration of intercultural content across the areas of the curriculum, Dealing with parents. Celebrating diversity in school. Intercultural Education –Practical steps. Thematic approach. ICT tools for finding resources. GROUP WORK
DAY 5
TOUR IN NICOSIA • Visit at Leventis Museum, Ledra Museum & Observatory & ‘Laiki Gitonia’ • GROUP WORK
DAY 6
CLOSURE OF THE COURSE • Activities that enhance the sense of belonging. • Presentation of group work, review of the project, conclusion, certificates.
DAY 7 (optional) TOUR IN PAPHOS • Visit to Paphos Archaeological Park with Roman mosaics, Paphos Medieval Castle and port.

Registrations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzIdKlNFBrCfW8h3JWiOBaveUy2edIsVNeCvgSy4ICwB70sw/viewform?c=0&w=1