Transforming In-Service Teachers' Perspectives for Intercultural Communication in Schools

• In Event: Uplifting Immigrant and Refugee Students Through Teacher Education

Abstract

The increasing number of refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Asian countries has heightened the importance of fostering peaceful cooperation and intercultural communication in Turkish schools. Therefore, training in-service teachers has become crucial for creating community among refugee and local students and encouraging nonviolent connections. Drawing on the Staircase Model of Intercultural Communication, this qualitative study aimed to equip 30 in-service teachers with skills to foster understanding, promote tolerance, and break down stereotypes and xenophobic barriers in Turkish schools. The findings indicate that while in-service teachers initially have negative views about refugee and migrant students, their perspectives improve as they gain more knowledge and experience.

Authors

• Merih Ugurel Kamisli, TED University

• Ozlem Erden-Basaran, TED University