Using service learning to foster diversity competency of pre-service chemistry teachers at the University of Vienna

Abstract

[EN] In order to feel better prepared for the challenges of teaching chemistry in multicultural and multilingual classrooms, the Institute of Chemistry Education (IDC) at the University of Vienna has launched a teacher training course in which pre-service teachers get the opportunity to engage in service learning at the UniClub. The UniClub is a programme offering learning support for pupils at upper secondary level with refugee and/or migration experience. The results of the qualitative evaluation study show that the course covers topics unique within the chemistry teacher training programme and provides insights into culturally and language sensitive teaching. It raises pre-service teachers’ awareness for the needs of multilingual and multicultural learners and leads to a more reflective use of language in the chemistry classroom. The results also show that, although the course is an important step towards the development of diversity competency, the pre-service teachers still do not feel fully prepared.