The impact of diversity visits for student teachers in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This study considers the value of a programme of diversity visits to a number of schools of different management types by a group of Year 1 post‐primary BEd students at a teacher training institution in Belfast, most of whom have themselves been educated in predominantly Protestant or Catholic schools. Student responses show considerable learning gains in terms of increased understanding of diversity issues and the alleviation of misconceptions regarding schools of different management types. Some non‐diversity‐related professional development learning gains were also achieved as a result of the programme.

Keywords:

• initial teacher education
• diversity
• professional development
• pre‐service school placements
• school management types

Notes

1. The Northern Ireland Curriculum is independent of the National Curriculum for England.

2. The travelling community is a community of people with a strong tradition and culture built around a nomadic life in Ireland.

3. Northern Ireland retains a form of academic selection at age 11 in most areas. Selective post‐primary grammar schools accept pupils based on their performance in the ‘transfer test’. Those who are not selected for grammar school transfer to non‐selective ‘secondary’ or ‘high’ schools.