Adressing Linguistic and Cultural Heterogeneity in Chemistry Classrooms: Findings from the In-service Teacher Training Program

Abstract

One of the challenges in the teaching science in Bosnia and Herzegovina is its plurality of languages and cultural diversity. In the previous initial teacher education, there was a lack of quality preparation for these modern challenges; opportunities to teach cultural and linguistic diversity were not recognized. Therefore, the challenge is to encourage experienced chemistry teachers to develop competencies for an intercultural teaching environment within the Educating Science Teachers for All (ESTA) project. The participants of the in-service professional development program were chemistry teachers from three cantons in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the program was to develop and improve professional competencies through workshops and work in groups, with discussions on selected topics and laboratory exercises with the use of modern laboratory equipment and ICT. Teaching opportunities were offered in linguistically diverse classes, as well as in classes with other forms of student diversity. The results showed that teachers are aware of the need to be sensitized for student differences. They expressed positive impressions and willingness to adjust the teaching material according to the needs of their students, but also the need for further support through collaboration with the university staff.