”Teaching methods in interculturally mixed areas”

We are living at a time when more people than ever living outside their home country. 3.2 per cent of the world’s population live outside their country of origin. Through the years around 72 million migrants have made their home in Europe. Just EU is home to over 33 million people born outside the EU. In addition, there are more than 17 million citizens switched their country of birth within the EU. Nowadays conflicts at the Middle East are forcing more refugees to seek safety in the EU. Like it or not, the European societies are ethnically and culturally mixed, and the trend is growing. But as societies are becoming more mixed, the conflicts between the people from different nationality, religion, race, background and etc. are increasing. This situation is increasing the demand for extra methods, skills and tools which will be put into practice in order to improve the communication and cooperation for peacefully living together. And if people have positive and enriching experiences with other cultures than they are more likely to embrace diversity. The idea of this training was driven from that fact, to bring various methods and tools which the youth workers and teachers from interculturally mixed areas can effectively use. Methodology: The training will be build up on participatory based approach where the participants will have a chance during the whole training to experience various teaching methods and approaches. In the last days they will have a space for individual skills simulation which will lead to improvement of their interactive skills. The general aim is: To Increase the knowledge and understanding about Intercultural communication and cooperation, and bring various teaching methods for transferring that knowledge to the societies. More specific objectives coming out from the general aim are: - To recognize the unique importance of each culture, emphasizing shared values and pluralistic identity. -To increase intercultural awareness about different communication styles and approaches in multicultural areas by exchanging views and experiences. -To increase their understanding on how stereotypes and prejudices are created. -To promote tolerance, equality and solidarity among different cultures, nationalities, ethnic and religious groups, etc. According to the Human Rights principals. -To develop positive attitudes and behaviors for less discrimination and more positive intercultural relationships. -To experience alternative methods and instruments for intercultural education and intercultural practicing. -To improve participant's facilitation skills and teaching methods. -To plan new projects and activities about intercultural learning which will be implemented in their communities and organizations. -To promote Erasmus+ programme as a tool for mutual learning and cooperation. -To empower the participants to use different formal and non-formal methods in order to improve the educational process. -To develop their computer skills to better project organization and a larger spread of acquired knowledge to wider communities.