Celebrating diversity : preparing students for inclusion through PSD

Abstract

As a result of today's rapidly changing world, Malta is becoming more diverse. It is therefore important that understanding and acceptance of all aspects of diversity should become a way of life. It is with this in mind that the needs for a peer preparation programme regarding diversity have been looked into. A triangular study was conducted where both interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data. Students' attitudes and perceptions were gauged through questionnaires. 180 questionnaires were distributed amongst students from Junior Lyceums, Area Secondary Schools, and Church Schools. The research also involved ten interviews with teachers and facilitators in order to perceive their views about the attitudes of students towards diversity and inclusion. Particular attention was given to three main areas of inclusion namely disability, race and family differences. The data analysis presents the attitudes of form one students towards difference. The opinions and views of teachers and facilitators towards students' attitudes and thus the need for preparation are presented. This research has indicated that students need preparation regarding inclusive education. It is imperative that students need to be empowered by values such as self-esteem, self-awareness and the appreciation of others. Teachers, facilitators and students agree that PSD promotes such values and is therefore the ideal setting for preparation to take place. As a result of research, a set of PSD sample lesson plans are presented (refer to Appendix 6) as a practical guide to students' needs and to help them realise that diversity should be indeed celebrated and appreciated.