Learning From Differences: A Strategy for Teacher Development in Respect to Student Diversity

• In Event: 26.079 - Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: 26.079-10 - Learning From Differences in Professional Development

Abstract

A growing challenge facing teachers around the world is that of responding to student diversity. Increased population movement between countries has added to the urgency of this issue, with schools in many countries admitting more young people with ethnic, cultural and linguistic differences. This paper will present the findings of a three-year project - ‘Responding to diversity by engaging with students’ voices’ - that addresses this crucial agenda. It involved collaborative action research carried out by teams of teachers and researchers in three countries (i.e. England, Portugal and Spain) and led to the creation of an innovative strategy for teacher development. This aims to support teachers in developing inclusive classroom practices by engaging with the views of students.

Authors

• Kyriaki Messiou, University of Southampton

• Mel Ainscow, University of Manchester