Conference on Cultural Diversity in the Classroom

To mark Human Rights Day 2015, Clare Intercultural Network and Intercultural and Diversity Education Centre-Ireland (IDEC-Ireland) will host a conference on the theme of cultural diversity in the classroom. The conference will take place at Cois na hAbhna, Ennis, Co. Clare, on 10th December.

IDEC-Ireland holds an event on Human Rights Day each year, as part of a conference series called ‘Humanising Rights and Responsibilities’. This year, the conference title is ‘Who is in the classroom? Learners, Teachers, Identities’. It will examine cultural diversity in the classroom from the perspectives of both learners and teachers, exploring the ways in which education can, and should, support and nurture diverse identities.

Placing the classroom in the context of wider society, the conference will also address the concept of ethnic identifiers, examining their use in policy, practice, data collection and research.

The conference will include workshops and talks by researchers in the area of cultural diversity in education, providing opportunities for attendees to both learn about relevant and recent research, and participate in discussions on the topic.  It is expected that discussion topics will include:

  • How the education system can support relationships of respect and cooperation;
  • How the diversity of teachers and learners can be supported; and
  • The importance of embracing the multiple identities of teachers and learners.

Anyone wishing to attend the conference can register here. The closing date for registration is Monday, 7th December.

About IDEC-Ireland

IDEC-Ireland is a partnership of community, education and statutory organisations. Its vision is to create and promote opportunities for integration among communities in Ireland through dialogue, engagement and research on intercultural and diversity education.

Through its conferences, IDEC-Ireland engages a wide audience in conversations about human rights, diversity, interculturalism and equality in education.  The organisation also encourages and supports young people to engage in the discussion.

IDEC Network members are: Clare Intercultural Network; Clarecare; Ennis Community Development Project; Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Limerick; Educational Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick’s College; Clare Women’s Network; Community Knowledge Initiative, National University of Ireland, Galway.