|
An advanced-training program for the team of instructors of A New Way
The meetings of pupils and also those of parents are lead by artists, instructors of drama, music, and art, both Jews and Arabs, all of whom are university graduates with a first or second degree and with experience in teaching or in leading social activities.
Experience has shown that professional tools and experience in teaching and facilitating in regular frameworks are not always sufficient for an intercultural situation. Therefore involvement in the projects of A New Way necessitates a process of training and adjustment to the unique situation resulting from the meeting between pupils from different cultural backgrounds, speaking different languages, and with different beliefs, codes, and customs.
Teaching in a multicultural setting necessitates relating to the cultural milieu of the pupils, and recognition of both the unique and the different. Participants must be aware of the implications of such an intercultural meeting of pupils. The leader must ensure that the cultural assets of all are given full expression, that there is a symmetric dialogue between the pupils, and he must avoid a situation in which one group is allowed to dominate. Furthermore, he must develop sensitivity to different codes of behaviour and the various styles of communication between cultures.
Furthermore, although most of the leaders are experienced in the process of teaching and directing in their fields (acting, , playing music, movement, drawing, sculpture, etc), for their work in the framework of the project their field of knowledge only serves as a means of developing the dialogue between the students. They must therefore undergo a process which will prepare them to work with groups in a way which will promote interpersonal and intercultural relations among the pupils.
The aims of the program
-
Adaptation and fitting of the professional knowledge of the instructors to suit a multicultural framework in general, and the specific aims of the projects in particular
- Building a working program suitable for the aims of A New Way
- Developing social skills and interpersonal communication in a multicultural group
- The development of a multicultural approach which favors strengthening the attachment of each group to its cultural inheritance, as the basis for a symmetrical and respectful discussion between different cultural groups
Description of the program
The program is intended for Jewish and Arab teachers in the different fields of art.
The program includes:
- Six days of further training in two separate units:
- lecture or workshop for theoretical or practical enrichment, to be given by lecturers or professionals from outside the organization
- Group work in analyzing projects or professional discussions, which will include an analysis of happenings at work and teaching colleagues -- experience with the tools and their use as developed by facilitators, and the development of a work plan
- A two-day seminar (including overnight) at places such as Neve Shalom and Ness Amim, which will cover nature, learning, and team development
- An ODT workshop on further training in the ability to facilitate or lead, work activities to help with the integration of the team, and to strengthen its connections with the organization
- Ongoing direction throughout by the professional team of the organization
Professional fields
- Skills in leading multicultural and bilingual groups
- Development of the tools for nonverbal communication
in each class the number of Jewish and Arab children is equal (as much as possible)
- Intercultural learning -- develop an awareness of the differences in customs, in philosophy, acceptable ways of communication, sensitivities and expectations in the different cultures
- Dealing with unexpected situations at work, analysis of events
- The groups -- dynamic aspects
- Clarification of personal and professional identities
The development and explanation of the program
The development of the program for the project is undertaken by the professional team of A New Way. The meetings will partly be run by external professionals, accompanied and lead by the professional staff of the organization.
|
