Measurement of teachers' attitudes and behaviors on applied intercultural education: A case study from Greek public schools

This study's purpose is to examine intercultural education in Greek public schools focusing on educators supporting intercultural proposals. By raising intercultural awareness and acquiring intercultural competence the ultimate goals are achieved for a more inclusive public school. A self-administered questionnaire was applied randomly to collect data from primary and secondary education teachers at public schools in West Attica. A total of 160 teachers having different specialties participated in the study. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between the level of education and the possibility of applying intercultural practices in the classroom. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship exists between teaching experience and appropriate information on Intercultural Education. All the respondents highlighted the benefits of using intercultural practices in the classroom but they seldom include intercultural practices in their teaching sessions. More than half of the respondents consider that the curricula should be changed and the educational material should be adapted and revised. Public school teachers support for intercultural education, but they consider important a change in the curricula, the teaching material and the teaching methods. Also, a change is required on the methods of training teachers so as they will become a liaison between school and society.