Intercultural education

definition

The word intercultural in the term intercultural education is derived from the Latin "inter", in German" between ", and" culture "together. This means that an education takes place between two or more cultures. The culture expresses itself in language, customs, manners, festivals, morals, religion, music, medicine, clothing, Food etc.

In intercultural education, different cultures are dealt with, and the listed aspects are highlighted and examined accordingly. The other culture is viewed on an equal footing and with appreciation. This is to promote understanding for other cultures and thus a peaceful coexistence.

Intercultural education enables people to understand and understand the behavior of people who belong to a different culture, even though it is different from their own actions. This is achieved by dealing with other cultures. Foreign cultures are taken out of the corner of the unknown and the frightening.

An exchange between cultures can and should take place in intercultural education and the fear of heterogeneity in society is reduced. People should treat each other in a respectful, appreciative and tolerant manner, so that an equal relationship arises. It is desirable that the coexistence of different cultures leads to a common ground beyond mutual acceptance and “living next to one another”.

In addition, the aim of this education is that not only a dialogue takes place between cultures, but also that an openness towards another culture develops, which makes one willing to learn something from the other culture or to add something to one's own life integrate.

It is not only important to discover and live the similarities of the different cultures, but also to trust oneself to look at the differences or opposites and to see them as enrichment and expansion of one's own horizon.

All of this aims to ensure that a society made up of very different cultures can live together in peace and contentment.

How does intercultural education work in kindergarten?

A kindergarten that attaches great importance to an intercultural upbringing of children tries to find appropriate materials and appropriate spatial equipment. The aim is to give the children thought-provoking ideas regardless of their origin or religion and to symbolize the openness to other cultures.

For pictures, books, toys, etc.different cultures and religions can be represented. For example, a story by an Asian and the next time a story by an African can be read out. Furthermore, in the case of an intercultural upbringing, it must be clear to the children in the daycare that all children, regardless of their origin, religion or culture, are equally welcome.

This also means that all children are in contact with one another, show openness, tolerance and appreciation. Accordingly, children of different origins are divided into a group in the kindergarten groups. Every child should be given the opportunity to live their culturally determined peculiarities within a certain framework.

This includes putting on certain clothes or religious dietary requirements. Therefore, the educational offer must enable the children to learn about other cultures, their religion, customs and traditions so that they can work together and so that the children can understand the behavior of children with a different cultural background.

This succeeds if the educators clearly show the children that they are always open to questions about these topics and are happy to answer them together. Furthermore, experiences of children and their families with a view to (religious) festivals in groups can be discussed. In addition, educators can go on trips to museums that impart knowledge about different cultures.

In addition, the parents can also provide part of the intercultural education. For example, you can give lectures in a group about certain cultural customs. It is important that the parents are involved in the intercultural education and are informed about it. When the child is enrolled in kindergarten, questions relating to the different cultures should be clarified and the extent to which the children have different opportunities for development should be told openly.

Furthermore, it is important that the parents have a tolerant, benevolent and respectful basic attitude towards other cultures so that the values ​​that are taught in kindergarten do not encounter any headwinds at home. In many kindergartens with a high level of interest in intercultural education, there are offers for parenting education in the form of parents' evenings or special events that are intended to convey knowledge about other cultures.

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How does intercultural education work in school?

Intercultural education in schools is about ensuring that all students have the same participation, regardless of their cultural background, and that they are able to achieve the highest possible educational qualification. All students, regardless of their origin, should be able to live out their potential equally in order to be able to acquire the basics for a successful professional life.

For intercultural education, the school must be free from discrimination and the different students should show respect for each other. The school must see itself as a place of learning for every student and cultivate an intercultural dialogue culture so that all students feel that they belong in the school community. In class, for intercultural education, consideration of the subject from the perspective of majorities and minorities can be encouraged.

This enables the students to change their perspective. In addition, project days on intercultural topics can be offered. The school should take into account the linguistic diversity of different nations and, at best, encourage multilingual students. The multilingualism of the students in the rooms and in public relations can also be shown. Furthermore, intercultural-interreligious cooperation with institutions or schools from other countries can take place on the part of the school.

How do you deal with religious differences?

In schools or kindergartens that place great value on interreligious pedagogy, the children, parents and teachers are challenged to find a way that gives the children food for their thoughts without exceeding the limits of religious respect. This means that the needs of the children, which arise from the religious definition of the parental home, are taken into account and respected.

At the same time they should learn to understand other religions. This is also required from the parents' home, as this also shapes the child's ideas. According to this, the children should also learn from their parents to respect other religions and keep looking at the common themes of the world religions, such as respect for creation, respect for the neighbor, respect for parents and ancestors, etc.

In the best case, the educational offer of the facilities, such as daycare or school, is designed in such a way that it enables children to acquire knowledge about other religions. The aim is for the children to understand and classify the behavior of children with a different religious background. They should also develop an attitude and attitudes that are characterized by openness, tolerance and respect so that they are able to communicate with children of other religions. In schools, religious instruction or ethics instruction can serve this purpose.

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