Multicultural education in Gozo primary schools : possibilities, challenges and questions

Abstract

Over the recent years, Malta has experienced a significant increase in the number of immigrants due to various factors – cultural, financial and religious. The main focus of the current study is therefore to determine the possibilities, challenges, and questions of multicultural education in Gozo Primary Schools. Multicultural education is explored as an opportunity that can offer the learner with the possibility of acquiring his/her own social and cultural knowledge. A qualitative study is conducted, and semi structured interviews are carried out within two state schools and one church school. The main objective of such research is to understand how Gozitan primary multicultural classrooms are currently transforming themselves into a learning community. The study explores the perceptions and practices of Learning Support Educators and also that of the Senior Leadership Team in relation to multicultural education. In addition, the views of how to deal with multicultural education within the school and the challenges that one encounters. In conclusion, this study analyses the manner in which schools are attempting to implement such change. Furthermore, what are the necessary changes needed to be taken from all stakeholders so that multicultural education truly becomes a pedagogical resource in the classroom.