Intercultural Education In The Classroom

It is a fact that in the classrooms of the 21st century there is a greater diversity and, indeed, a greater plurality of cultures. According to this, the need to know how to act in the current educational panorama is reflected and, finally, adapt the teaching-learning process to this new reality through the inclusion of intercultural education in the classroom.

What is intercultural education?

The intercultural concept, unlike multiculturalism, is not limited to the mere coexistence of cultures, but goes further. The term intercultural means communication, and advocates and supports interaction, coexistence and exchange between different cultural groups.

In general terms, according to the Commission of the European Communities, intercultural education is a set of educational practices designed to promote mutual respect and understanding among all students, regardless of their cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious origin.

From anthropology, it is understood that culture is dynamic and that, therefore, it is in a process of constant change. From this idea, the key arises to define and address intercultural education.

In this way, the intercultural approach emphasizes that cultural differences are the norm, and are present in all educational reflection and practice.

Intercultural classrooms as a necessity

In addition to the unstoppable phenomenon of cultural globalization, it is a reality that, every day, our societies present greater cultural diversity. In view of this, the need arises to adapt to this new situation and, in this case, observe what is happening in our educational centers and act accordingly.

The inspector of education Jesús Viñas considers that intercultural education should not be considered only in those centers that have cultural diversity, but that it is a general need of the educational system.

Because the purpose of intercultural education is not to facilitate the coexistence and interaction of students in the educational center. It is about, on the one hand, educating them to respect cultural diversity and, on the other, showing them that cultural exchange enriches and strengthens us.

How to include intercultural education in the classroom?

Intercultural education implies a change of attitude. And, in order to bring intercultural education to the classroom, it is necessary to rethink and redefine the challenges and competencies of the school curriculum, and adapt it to the demands of current multicultural classrooms. A study plan that includes a series of actions and projects based on recognition, respect and social cohesion.

When speaking of cultural exchange, respect for cultural identity is also included. Intercultural education assumes that cultural diversity is enriching, so the cultural identities of all students must be respected and valued.

Professor Julia Porras defines and defines a series of attitudes that are key to laying the pillars of the entire ideology of intercultural education:

• Value and respect what is different.
• Understand that difference is an inherent and enriching element of human nature.
• Peaceful resolution of conflicts.
• Empathy.
• Teamwork and share goals together.

In short, from educational centers, we must educate children and adolescents in respect for cultural diversity and in the enrichment that this entails for all. Because intercultural education is educating the adults of the future in social justice. Teach our students that coexistence and dialogue are the way to achieve increasingly egalitarian and respectful societies.