From Patches to Patchwork – Teaching Multicultural Groups
From Patches to Patchwork – Teaching Multicultural Groups

Summary/Abstract: This study presents a range of issues to be taken into consideration when teaching a foreign language to multicultural groups. In the author’s case – a technical university, an ESP (English for Specific Purposes) course and young adult students, both freshmen and sophomores in Electrical Engineering – the learners originate from around 6 - 7 different cultures/countries. This raises a series of questions to be dealt with in order to ensure an optimal climate and equal chances to accessing tuition to all the participants involved. How this can be achieved is shown as a case study of the concrete educational context in terms of choices made by the teacher as regards the syllabus, class management or the positive learning environment. Some general guidelines have emerged from the analysis, which are presented as proposals open to amendment and as a springboard for further exchanges of views.

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