Teachers' perceptions of immigrant students : towards an anti-racist agenda in education

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions that teachers have of immigrants, to create awareness of the racism that immigrant children may be experiencing directly or indirectly from teachers, and through the hidden curriculum. Data was collected mainly through the use of tape-recorded interviews with teachers and other persons which were then analysed. It appears that immigrant children are in fact facing problems. Even though their teachers maintain that these pupils are accepted, they are one way or another overlooked since teachers feel they do not have enough time to give them the individuals attention they need. Racism was rarely directly expressed. However further analysis shows that traces of racism can be found, even if this may not be pronounced. Even though teachers knew the needs of immigrant children, very few tried their best in catering for those needs. This may be owing to lack of knowledge, lack of training, time constraints, financial problems in buying adequate resources, linguistic barriers, and even deep rooted negative feelings towards immigrants especially as expressed by mature teachers.