I-NET Learning: Intercultural Ethics

[Case Studies by Region] [Case Studies by Category]

The objective of the project was to raise intercultural awareness and exchange good practice about the teaching of adults from different cultural backgrounds.

Teachers and students involved in the project were primarily in the subject areas of social care and languages. It was a three-year project with participants from institutions of adult education in three countries: Sweden, Germany and Scotland. All three institutions have students with many different linguistic and cultural backgrounds and ethical value systems, which have the potential for enriching the institutions. The idea of the project was to maximize this potential and also remove barriers for ethnic minority participation.

During the first year of the project, seminars were held in the respective partner schools on ethics, migration and different attitudes to foreign cultures. These seminars turned out to be rewarding, instructive and interesting. The second year teacher exchanges were arranged in order to compare and reinforce impressions and to spot differences and similarities. This exchange meant that the visiting teachers could follow the work of their colleagues for a week. The third year students were given the opportunity to make exchange visits, and to participate for a week as guest students at the partner schools.

The response to these visits has been very positive and has led to a continued intercultural involvement. This involvement has also meant a changed attitude among the students, for example, in their vocational choice. The students gained insight into other cultures, leading to reflection and new angles of approach.

Another effect of the three-year project is the interest it has aroused, and the invitations from different cities and countries it has resulted in.

A number of resources are available on the project website including teacher reports of work shadowing and student reports of visits, details of the projects and the final report. Please visit: www.komvux.lund.se/komvux3/inet/

Lund, Sweden http://www.komvux.lund.se

Stevenson College of Further Education, Edinburgh, Scotland

http://www.stevenson.ac.uk

Volkshochschule, Greifswald, Germany http://www.vhs-greifswald.de

Yes, learners were involved. In the third year students were given the opportunity to make exchange visits, and to participate for a week as guest students at the partner schools.

Impact

On the organisation
By funding this three-year project the commission provided an opportunity to develop a model of how a partnership should work and work effectively together although the institutions are very different. Project management skills were further developed which the institutions will continue to benefit from; exchange good practice and providing access to learning; exchange good practice in learning and teaching methodologies and materials across and within the institutions.

On staff
It has enabled staff to reflect on theory and practice and be creative and to have an impact on continued professional development within the institutions in equality, diversity and intercultural relations.

On adult learners
It has provided a learning experience, which has developed:

1. Motivation and self-confidence;

2. Clarification of learning and employment goals;

3. Intercultural awareness and interest;

4. Positive relationships within the context of the diverse communities in Europe.

Diaries were kept and learner reports were written.

It enabled the project to achieve its goals and gain satisfaction from a job well done.

On outside bodies

Volkshochschule Greifswald was awarded the title "Intercultural school" as a result of the project work.

Stevenson College Edinburgh magazine contains a section about the exchange visits. This was distributed to participating colleges.

Komvux Lund had an exhibition about the exchange and Volkshochschule Greifswald has had an exhibition and a number of reports in the local media.

Jill Murray
CbESOL
Stevenson College,
Bankhead Avenue
Edinburgh
EH11 4DE

Telephone no.: 0131 535 4630

Email: jmurray@stevenson.ac.uk

Top of page