Intercultural Education in the Post-Primary School - National Council ...

CLASSROOM PLANNING 4Use this exercise to review current practices.CLASSROOM REVIEW CHECKLISTFor each question place a tick in the appropriate box. The more positive answers the moreintercultural the school context is. Negative answers identify opportunities for furtherdevelopment. Use them to make a list of what you need to do, and try to set achievabledeadlines for addressing these issues.YES TO SOME NOTYESEXTENTTO SOMEYETNOTEXTENT YETPhysical environmentDo the pictures, images, and displays in the classroom and schoolphysical environment reflect in a current and accurate way thecdiverse ultures and ethnic groups of Ireland and of the school?Social environmentAre routines in place for welcoming new students, for assistingthem in becoming part of the class, for ensuring that their cultureis affirmed in the environment and for ensuring that theircapabilities and needs are recognised?Are classroom routines made explicit to all students?Can students and teachers properly pronounce each other’s names?Do students engage in co-operative learning activities which enablethem to recognise and benefit from each others strengths?Do students share responsibility for classroom organisation and forensuring that all feel welcome and included?Are members of minority ethnic groups affirmed in a positive senseof their identity?Have strategies for dealing with discriminatory behaviour beenconsidered and put in place?Has consideration being given to ensuring appropriate language andinteractions between teachers and pupils?Is a supportive environment created for second language learners?Choosing resourcesIs there a method for vetting the appropriateness of images andmessages contained in school texts and other resources?Intercultural Education in the Post-Primary School 37