Session Information
Contribution
Description: The topic of the study is the position and experience of ethnic minority students at the Iceland University of Education. The main research question is: What are the experiences of ethnic minority students at the Iceland University of Education of its curriculum, cooperation (students-students and students-teachers) and culture. The objectives of the study are to analyse the ethnic minority students' positions in order to improve and implement changes in the curriculum, institutional culture and ethos to suit changes in demographics (particularly among students) within the University. The purpose is to initiate debate about diversity, equity and school ethos at the level of higher education generally and at the Iceland University of Education particularly. Another purpose is to fulfil the University´s equity policy (2004), which states, for example that it should "ensure that those who apply or study at the university will have an equal position, such that minority status is taken into account in the accepting of new students, in the structure and practice of teaching and services". It is also stated that "the studies (at the University) should increase open-mindedness, decrease prejudice and improve understanding of discrimination and inequality in schools and societies generally". Also it can initiate debate in Iceland generally on how institutional culture and ethos as well as organisational structures in higher education can either discriminate against or empower ethnic minority students. These issues have been discussed from different perspectives in recent years by researchers in other countries (see f. ex. Banks and Banks, 2004; Noddings, 2005; Reay, David and Ball, 2005; Ronayne, 2000). At the Iceland University of Education the field of multicultural education has grown rapidly (in research and teaching) in recent years, and the debate on multicultural issues in higher education has recently begun (Ragnarsdottir, 2005).
Methodology: The methodology used in this study (carried out in 2005 - 2006) is qualitative research and data is collected through semi-structured interviews with ethnic minority students. A sequence of themes are used for discussion. Participants have been selected using purposive sampling, from the group of ethnic minority students studying at the Iceland University of Education. Heads of Divisions and Student counsellors are also interviewed in order to collect data on their views and experiences regarding the changing demographics at the University and services provided to ethnic minority students.
Conclusions: The study is in process and first outcomes will be available in the spring of 2006. The value of the study is that it will generate new knowledge in the field of diversity and equity in higher education. Hopefully, it will also be a step towards changes in attitudes, services and assistance offered to minority students and encourage a debate on multicultural issues in higher education generally.
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