University
in Bialystok, Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, Poland
Abstract:
The lecture pertains to understanding
of the role of a teacher in multicultural setting of the contemporary world.
The teacher functioning in such conditions can contribute to the development of
tolerance and understanding among youths. This enhances the role of teacher in
the world of ethnic and national diversities. In order to achieve this goal the
teacher ought to serve as a guide or a liminal servant opened to diversity and
serving as a model. During interactions with students especially from other
ethnic groups, teacher becomes an advisor and a therapist-supporter of ethnic
identity. It matters if the teacher presents himself/herself as a model of
ethnic/national complexity and self-understanding, ultimately serving as an
example for students.
It
presumes that only the teacher that has an established ethnic identity and at
the same time is able to separate from it, can develop the relations of
equality and not dominance. This leads to supporting the members of the
particular ethnic group and influences students to further development of
cultural identity.
Based on that presumption it
seems justified to attempt to enhance the cultural identity of the teacher,
simultaneously enriching the abilities of a teacher to communicate with other
ethnic groups functioning in the society.
Key words: role of a teacher in
multicultural setting, ethnic and national diversities, ethnic identity