Erasmus+ teacher training course titled “Intercultural Learning and Cultural Diversity in the Classroom”
01/11/2024
From October 6 to 12, 2024, three members of the PSLC staff – Audronė Auškelienė, Ramunė Sarnickienė, and Rita Samukienė – participated in the Erasmus+ teacher training course titled “Intercultural Learning and Cultural Diversity in the Classroom” in Palermo, Sicily. The course brought together participants from various European countries, including Lithuania, Austria, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Finland, and the Netherlands. It was designed to help teachers enhance their cultural awareness while providing practical strategies for managing diverse, multicultural student groups.
Key learnings included understanding and overcoming personal prejudices and stereotypes, improving intercultural competence, and exploring new educational approaches suitable for diverse classrooms. Through activities like simulation exercises and storytelling, participants learned to appreciate different perspectives and practice managing cultural challenges.
Additionally, the course emphasized the role of teachers in the integration process of immigrant students, discussing both academic and emotional support. Engaging with fellow participants and trainers allowed for the exchange of good practices and strategies to foster inclusivity.
This course was an enriching experience, equipping participants with valuable tools to create a more inclusive classroom environment for all students.
During the training course, participants also had the opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Visits to landmarks such as the Palermo Cathedral, with its blend of Norman, Arabic, and Gothic architectural styles, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a symbol of Sicily’s diverse past, provided insight into the region’s multicultural history. Strolling through the vibrant Capo Market and experiencing the lively atmosphere of local Sicilian life enriched our understanding of Palermo’s cultural diversity. These experiences complemented the course’s themes, deepening our appreciation of intercultural exchange both in and outside the classroom.
