BAGSKOL - Teaching controversial issues
General Overview
BAGSKOL aims to understand how culturally complex teaching is addressed in teacher training and how it could benefit from a theoretical-practical twinning between student-teachers from five countries. Through an international on-site workshop, the project will conduct a pilot study to pave the way for a larger initiative.
Purpose and Significance
This project tackles key issues in teacher training, particularly subjects that teachers find challenging. It aims to provide guidance and understanding on how intercultural interaction can help address complex teaching issues. Culturally complex teaching refers to subjects and situations that lack straightforward answers or established teaching procedures, which are difficult to anticipate in initial teacher training. Examples include controversial issues such as racism, heteronormativity, religion, body image, sexuality, multilingualism, and beyond.
These topics align with EUniWell’s mission to foster individual and social well-being, as they help envision a more inclusive and democratic society. Additionally, this project is designed to develop a more inclusive and comprehensive Teacher Education programme.
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Implementation Method and Timeline
Six institutions are collaborating under the lead of Nantes Université: Linnaeus University, the University of Murcia, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, University of Education Weingarten, and the University of Zaragoza.
The main component of BAGSKOL is a three-day on-site workshop for EUniWell teacher education students. In preparation for this workshop, an introductory lecture will be held where involved teachers share their perspectives on teaching culturally complex issues.
The project will commence on 1 June 2024 with the structuring of the consortium and the establishment of communication tools. During the autumn term of 2024, research and didactical seminars will be conducted, and preparations for the project workshop will take place. Introductory lectures are scheduled for April 2025, followed by the workshop at Nantes Université in May 2025.
Expected Outcomes
The project team expects participating students and professors to acquire several key competencies through this project. These include increased intercultural knowledge and a better understanding of other countries' educational systems, particularly regarding complex didactic issues. Participants will gain deeper insights into how concepts such as race, gender, sexuality, and religion have different meanings and connotations in various cultural settings. Additionally, students are anticipated to develop greater confidence and skills in addressing difficult topics within culturally diverse and international contexts. Professors will enhance their ability to train teachers in handling culturally controversial issues.
Contact:
Tanguy Philippe, Nantes Université
Lucy Bell, Nantes Université
Mattias Lundin, Linnaeus University
Charlotte Silander, Linnaeus University
Svitlana Paschenko, Taras Shevchenko National University Kyiv
Juan Antonio Solis Becerra, University of Murcia
Mohamed Chamseddine Habib Allah, University of Murcia
Claudia Bergmüller-Hauptmann, University of Education Weingarten
Begoña Vigo Arrazola, University of Zaragoza
