The latest Absolutely Intercultural podcast features two teachers talking about the challenges of teaching diverse groups.Jennifer Appave at Kalø Højskole in Denmark and Alexandra Haas of VHS Rhein-Sieg in Germany talk about their experiences with various groups inlcuding refugees.
Things to think aboutLearning styles: Are your learners used to a formal or informal learning context?
Time: Does an 8.30 class really start at 8.30?
Classroom activities: Is discussion seen as a legitimate classroom activity?
Topics: Are some common language learning topics such as family and home too sensitive?
Humour: Use with care!Overcoming differences and challenges:
- takes time
- needs to take into account individual differences
- residential courses help
- have students teach each other
Both Jennifer and Alexandra stressed the importance of taking into account individual differences and playing it by ear but there are also boundaries. In Germany, the accommodation stops where discrimination begins. So classes are not arranged by gender or along religious or nationality lines, as this is not the way that German society is organised.
Both teachers mentioned the potential for aggression and conflict. Jennifer Appave advised that conflicts should be talked about to uncover any assumptions or stereotypes they may be based on.
Both concluded on a positive note, Jennifer noting that students end their course stronger as people and Alexandra noting that the refugees are a joy to teach because they are so motivated to learn German as quickly as possible.
Take a listen at http://www.absolutely-intercultural.com/?p=3246