Cultural diversity in secondary school: the response to immigrant students in Spain from a counselling perspective

ABSTRACT

Managing cultural diversity remains a challenge in secondary schools in Spain. In this paper, we approach cultural diversity from the standpoint of school counsellors, who are key professionals attending to immigrant pupils. Through the use of qualitative research techniques (semi-structured interviews and discussion groups), the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are identified by counsellors. The findings show the need to implement pupil-focused responses sensitive to their cultural identity and based on the collaboration of all agents involved. Likewise, the school is defined as a privileged setting in which to celebrate cultural diversity and the pivotal role that counsellors play in this process is highlighted.

KEYWORDS:

• Counsellors
• cultural diversity
• immigrant pupils
• secondary school
• educational response

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain [grant number EDU2008-05539].

Notes on contributors

Inmaculada González-Falcón

Inmaculada González-Falcón is an Associate professor of Inclusive Education and Teaching Methods at the University of Huelva, Spain. Her research areas include intercultural education, didactic analysis, and qualitative methods in educational organisations.

José Manuel Coronel-Llamas

José Manuel Coronel-Llamas is Professor of Educational Administration at University of Huelva, Spain. His areas of research include educational leadership, organisational analysis, and qualitative methods in educational organisations.

Paola Dusi

Paola Dusi is Professor of Pedagogic Theory and Intercultural Education at University of Verona, Italy. Her research areas include intercultural training, intercultural communication, and family-school relationship.

María de la O. Toscano-Cruz

María de la O Toscano-Cruz is Lecturer of School Counselling and Educational Research Methods at University of Huelva, Spain. Her research areas include intercultural education, bullying, and students’ inclusion in secondary schools.