Towards a better understanding of cultural diversity approaches at school: A multi-informant and mixed-methods study. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Civitillo, Sauro; Schachner, Maja; Juang, Linda; van de Vijver, Fons J.R.; Handrick, Anna; Noack, Peter
• Is Part Of: Learning, culture and social interaction. Volume 12(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Cultural diversity -- School -- Equality -- Pluralism -- Mixed-methods; Learning -- Periodicals; Learning -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Teaching -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Social interaction -- Periodicals; 370.152305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lcsi.2016.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6561

Abstract

Abstract: The current study investigates two types of cultural diversity approaches at school, namely (1) fostering equality and (2) promoting cultural pluralism . Adopting a mixed-methods design, this study assesses teachers' ( n = 207) and students' ( n = 1, 644) self-reported perceptions of descriptive norms and evaluates school practices and artefacts in the physical and virtual environment of 22 secondary schools in south-west Germany. Results showed that in all schools under investigation teachers and students perceived descriptive norms fostering mostly equality . A wide variety of practices and artefacts was found, revealing a third distinct cultural approach leaning towards endorsing the majority culture . Different practices and artefacts were linked to an emphasis on equality, cultural pluralism, and endorsing the majority culture . Implications for educational policy, as well as applied diversity research, are discussed.