How children see diversity, the effects of schooling, and implications for Initial Teacher Education

Elton-Chalcraft, Sally ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3064-7249 (2008) How children see diversity, the effects of schooling, and implications for Initial Teacher Education. In: The Teacher Education Policy in Europe (TEPE) Conference 2008, 21-23 February 2008, Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

I present the findings and implications resulting from empirical research conducted in primary schools in central England and Southern Germany where I investigated 9 and 10 year old children’s multicultural awareness. I explored the opportunities for multicultural education in both the hidden and formal curricula for this age group. The project is located in the wider debate about cultural identity, racism, ‘equality’ and multiculturalism. The research draws on literature concerning multicultural and anti-racist education. Methodologically, a qualitative research paradigm was adopted I was influenced by feminist methodology. The empirical work in England was more substantial and I employed a ‘least adult role’ and worked ‘with’ not ‘on’ the children. In Germany I worked to a more limited timeframe but nevertheless gained an insight into multicultural education in another European context. I discovered that many children, whatever their background, displayed anti-racist behaviour and opinions, and that attending a school with a high proportion of minority ethnic children did not necessarily lead to anti-racist tendencies. Moreover, there were children from schools with a high proportion of minority ethnic backgrounds who displayed overtly racist behaviours. The organisation of the school curriculum, and the school ethos, in both England and Southern Germany, had an influence on whether anti-racism was promoted or whether racism remained unchallenged. My research offers insights into aspects of white, Western privilege in both the formal and hidden curricula, in the selected schools in England and Southern Germany. The paper concludes with a discussion of the influence of schooling on children’s multicultural awareness, and explores the implications of my findings for policy and practice in Initial Teacher Education Institutions.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Related URL(s):	Organisation
Departments:	Academic Departments > Institute of Education (IOE) > Initial Teacher Education (ITE) > Early Years and Primary Undergraduate Partnership QG
Depositing User:	Insight Administrator
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2010 14:18
Last Modified:	11 Jan 2024 20:31
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/417

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