Practices Related to Cultural Diversity in Schools and Students' Views About These Practices: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to research the practices related to cultural diversity experienced by the students in schools and the student views about these practices. The research has been carried out with phenomenological research design which is the one of the qualitative research methods. The data of research has been collected through semi-structured interviews. The study group was determined by criterion sampling which is the one of the purposive sampling methods, and it consists of 9 students studying at various schools in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Research data were analyzed by content analysis. Findings related to the cultural diversity practices experienced by students in schools are as follows: “Practices for recognizing different cultural features within the context various courses; cultural diversity sensitive teacher behaviors; practices enabling to choose the own native language and culture course and to learn different languages; enabling to choose and take courses related to different belief systems based on a sect/religion; school activities for recognizing different cultures; preference of textbooks and materials that reflect cultural diversity”. Findings related to students' views about these practices are as follows: Trying to understand their friends by learning similarities and differences between themselves and their friends; realizing the reasons for prejudices against differences; to be able to express their differences comfortably; solving problems in conflict situations related to differences; being friends with people who have different cultural and social characteristics.