My house of value: school intervention programme investigating aspects of self-knowing, knowing of the other, identity, diversity and interaction

Abstract

The project My house of value was implemented at a fourth grade primary school classroom for 10-year-old students in Nicosia, Cyprus. The main goal of the project was to examine how pupils realise identity and diversity in their broad sense, how they deal with stereotypical thoughts and how they understand interaction in both positive and negative ways. This was achieved through certain activities during the art lesson, which gave them the opportunity to express themselves in various ways. The method included observation and discussion in classroom, analysis of teachers' diaries and students' works and interviews with students reflecting on the various activities of the project. The final results showed that many pupils could realise that the diversities between identities are more than similarities, but this fact was not necessarily negative. They also became aware of stereotypical thinking concerning the self and the other. They also realised the complication of human intercultural encounters since emotions and experiences are involved. Finally, they concluded that the different ways of knowing the other include different means of communication. The implementation of the project showed that such activities can have a positive impact on pupils especially if they are incorporated in everyday curriculum and classroom practice.

Keywords:

• identity
• diversity
• stereotype
• interaction
• interculturality

Notes

1. In this context, the competence-oriented model can identify and focus on certain key concepts: Byram et al. make a distinction between tolerance as a minimum standard or precondition for peaceful co-existence in multicultural societies and respect as a more positive attitude, where one does not simply tolerate difference, but regards it as having a positive value, as a way of appreciating ‘the other’ and his or her differences. Approaching ‘other’ ways of life and those who practice them, with tolerance and respect, can be seen as steps in the direction of interculturality as an open and respectful exchange of views between individuals and groups from different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds and heritage.