Challenges of Intercultural Vocational Education and Training: Developing a Strand Model in the Change Laboratory

Marianne Teräs, Johanna Lasonen, Maria Nuottokari
2014. 62 s. F031.

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What kinds of challenges do teachers and colleges of vocational education and training face in teaching students with linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds? What kinds of perspectives and solutions did teachers in a College find when they gathered together and discussed about intercultural teaching and learning?

This report describes a development process, during which a new model for intercultural vocational education and training was produced. The model is called a strand model and it illustrates how in vocational education and training different strands, such as individual subjects, demands of working life and learning a new language, are intertwined into a strong fabric to support the growth and development of vocational and professional competence. The strand model emphasises the cultural practices of occupations rather than individual subjects, goals, or competences.

The project was part of a larger research scheme called OPCE (Opening Pathways to Competence and Employment for Immigrants) funded by the Academy of Finland in 2009–2013. The publication is intended for teachers of immigrant students as well as for everybody interested in immigrant training. It provides new knowledge on intercultural vocational training and its challenges, presenting also a method for responding to these challenges.

ISBN 978-951-39-5695-0