CA2

Current Trends in Education: Tutorial Papers: Template

Leader: Kevin Maye

Student Name
Conor Mc Cormack

Tutorial Paper Number (1 or 2)

2

Reading Article Reference

Reflecting on Teaching Interculturalism and Diversity to Teachers in First and Second
Level Education in Ireland.

Article Summary (1 A4 page)

The main aim of this article is to determine the meaning of interculturalism and further
investigate the diversity that may be in Irish society. Interculturalism is significantly
identified within the education policy in Ireland and this article embarks on designing
lessons for undergraduates and post-graduates (Whitaker, 2013). Research within this
article dates from pre-2013 therefore sources, census of population etc... may present out
of date but many key findings relate to the modern-day teaching society. This article also
focuses on Racism in Irish society toward multicultural/diverse communities.

Racism may occur between peers on either a personal/non-personal level which is hidden
within organizations and institutions through their policies, practices, and procedures
(Cole, 2016). When an individual shows racist gestures, it tends to formulate from its own
assumptions or beliefs towards a specific ethnicity. To avoid such behaviours developing,
the (NCCA Guidelines, 2005) encourage educators to implement strategies that assist
students in comprehending why diverse cultures behave/believe in such ethics.

Literature also believes these guidelines may create opportunities for prejudiced beliefs to
enhance. (Bryan, 2009) as these policies are designed from a nationalistic framework. Her
belief is that multi-cultures are visualized as different and one we must embrace. This
highlights these topics within our institutes which may create the foundation for the
development of racist activities.
The concept of interculturalism leads to blended communities which reduce isolation
between cultures. It is supported by the argument that it treats members of ethnic
minorities as “ever-representative of bounded collective” (Gale, 2021). Interculturalism in
the modern day is considered of importance and should be adopted by educators.
Teachers are becoming more encouraged by Ireland’s educational policies to integrate vast
intercultural elements into their teaching profession. (Whitaker, 2013) believes educators
must be willing to reflect on lessons to increase the stigma of intercultural practice. By
implementing these strategies established awareness which develops the intelligence and
responsibility of individuals moving on to post-graduate.

Critical Reflection on the Article (1 A4 Page)

This article establishes the need for intercultural education as key elements from studies
in this article relate to our modern-day institutes. The need for intercultural education is
justified by the obstacles of present-day society. A lack of understanding of diverse
ethnicities can create the foundation for prejudiced acts.

The (NCCA Guidelines, 2005) counteracted this but literature showed evidence as to why
there were cracks in the work. I believe by highlighting the matter can trigger an increase
in attention which can potentially lead to further issues such as rejection, aggression,
indifference, intolerance etc…. can be counteracted by education. In relation to
developing theoretically designed lessons for intercultural education, assigning its
definitions and objectives can assert discipline within the classroom. With the potential of
inflecting intercultural lessons, students with their curiosity will begin to ask who they are,
why they act like that and why such diverse personalities exist. This can be a positive as
students’ self-knowledge will develop as they will begin to question themselves. Opposite
to that, students may begin to question why peers who come from different background
cultures act in the way they do and could potentially laugh or even worse discriminate.
The people to encounter these scenarios are most likely parents and teachers so policies
need to be developed in place to tackle these problems within the educational system.

Educational institutes are one of the most common environments for bullying, racism,
neglect etc…. It is important these environments develop intercultural learning
programmes to allow students the opportunity to learn about diversity skills e.g.,
flexibility, empathy, and sympathy. With flexibility, students will adapt how to behave
when something unfamiliar is encountered and empathy can help students be sensitive to
their needs.

Conclusion
Overall, I feel it is important teachers are aware to implement intercultural education
within their classroom for the development of each student. By incorporating this form of
education, students will become more flexible about what the world has to offer and that
“interculturalism means more than ethnic diversity, it is an all-encompassing concept
which acknowledges that diversity is normal, and normality is diverse in schools and in
society” (Kenny, 2009)
 List of References
References
(2005). Retrieved from NCCA Guidelines:
https://ncca.ie/media/2018/afl_final_rpt_2005.pdf
Bryan, A. (2009). The intersectionality of nationalism and multiculturalism in the Irish
curriculum: teaching against.
Cole, M. (2016). Racism : A Critical Analysis. London: Pluto Press.
Gale, V. Y. (2021). Interculturalism as a strategy to manage diversity: Moving
psychological research beyond colorblindness and multiculturalism.
Kenny, M. (2009). Interculturalism.
Whitaker, D. T. (2013). Reflecting on Teaching Interculturalism and Diversity to Teachers
in First and Second Level Education in Ireland.