Authors

• Rissanen, Inkeri (Tampere University)
• Kuusisto, Elina (Tampere University)

Keywords

cultural pluralism, culture, ethnic groups, immigrants, primary school teachers, special education teachers, teachers

Abstract

The study examined teachers' and student teachers' intercultural competencies and views on the malleability of people and groups and the importance of cultural diversity in teaching. The survey was answered by primary school teachers and students enrolled in pedagogical studies at Tampere University.

First, respondents were asked about their views on the capacity of people and groups of people to change, as well as their experiences and attitudes towards cultural diversity. They were then asked to assess the characteristics of people and groups of people through a variety of statements and perspectives. The second part of the questionnaire asked respondents to reflect on teaching in culturally diverse contexts. For example, respondents were asked how much they had encountered cultural diversity in their work or studies, and how they themselves assessed the relevance of teaching culturally diverse groups of students. The final section asked about perceptions of cultures through different perspectives.

Background variables included gender, age (categorized), teaching experience (categorized), province and school size (categorized).