Competences
The following table presents the key competences for teachers which will enable them to engage with socio-cultural diversity in the classroom and in school community. We suggest that values and attitudes are not defined in terms of competences but should permeate all of the competences. Furthermore, whilst the competences in this publication are related to the individual, they will be most readily attained through collective learning processes. The main three areas of competences are knowledge and understanding; communication and relationships; and management and teaching. Each of these forms a cluster of competences and these are presented with a justification of their importance for teachers in Volume 3. |
Knowledge and understanding |
Communication and relationships |
Management and teaching |
Competence 1 Knowledge and understanding of the political, legal and structural context of socio-cultural diversity |
Competence 7 Initiating and sustaining positive communication with pupils, parents and colleagues from different socio-cultural backgrounds |
Competence 13 Addressing socio-cultural diversity in curriculum and institutional development |
Competence 2 Knowledge about international frameworks and understanding of the key principles that relate to socio-cultural diversity education |
Competence 8 Recognising and responding to the communicative and cultural aspects of language(s) used in school |
Competence 14 Establishing a participatory, inclusive and safe learning environment |
Competence 3 Knowledge about different dimensions of diversity, eg ethnicity, gender, special needs and understanding their implications in school settings |
Competence 9 Creating open-mindedness and respect in the school community |
Competence 15 Selecting and modifying teaching methods for the learning needs of pupils |
Competence 4 Knowledge of the range of teaching approaches, methods and materials for responding to diversity |
Competence 10 Motivating and stimulating all pupils to engage in learning individually and in co-operation with others |
Competence 16 Critically evaluating diversity within teaching materials, eg textbooks, videos, media |
Competence 5 Skills of inquiry into different socio-cultural issues |
Competence 11 Involving all parents in school activities and collective decision-making |
Competence 17 Using of a variety of approaches to culturally sensitive teaching and assessment |
Competence 6 Reflection on one’s own identity and engagement with diversity |
Competence 12 Dealing with conflicts and violence to prevent margin-alization and school failure |
Competence 18 Systematic reflection on and evaluation of own practice and its impact on students |