The video opens to the sound of classical music, displaying the logos of the IntRef project and the three partner institutions: Durham University, University of Padua, Goethe University and Frankfurt am Main.
There is a link to the ‘Intercultural Reflection on Teaching’ website: https://intref.webspace.durham.ac.uk
A quote is displayed taken from Kinsella (2001): ‘Reflective practitioners think about their experiences in practice and view them as opportunities to learn’
The music fades and is replaced by the sound of a people talking in a classroom. Text appears saying ‘You will listen to a short dialogue representing a key theme and focus’
The video now shows us the view from the back of a class of students sitting in rows. They are blurred so you can’t see who they are. Text appears reading: ‘This extract focuses on the importance of creating a safe LEARNING ENVIRONMENT or CLIMATE in which students can feel comfortable in expressing themselves’ in a dialogue box. The background is slightly blurred and depicts a lecture theatre with students sitting in rows.’
We switch to a blurred image of people moving and a title is displayed: ‘Intercultural Peer Observation iPO’
We then hear the voices of staff and their words appear on screen with 2 voices in dialogue with subtitles. Some background noise of a classroom with students talking is heard while teachers speak:
Teacher 1: So what were your impressions of this part of your lesson?
Teacher 2: Well, as far the climate in the class is concerned, I have to say that I was really happy about the students’ participation.
Teacher 1: You said before that this was quite a delicate topic. Perhaps you weren’t expecting this response.
Teacher 2: Yes, you’re right. I was particularly pleased about the fact that even students who don’t usually raise their voice took part.
Teacher 1: So you clearly created a climate in which your students felt comfortable expressing themselves.
Teacher 2: Thanks. I think that moving the seats around to create a comfortable physical space was also useful.
Teacher 1: True. Is there anything else you noticed?
Teacher 2: Well, I have to say that the discussion did actually take a direction that I was not so sure about.
Teacher 1: Yes, maybe, but that was probably what the students felt was more important.
We switch to a blurred image of people moving and a title is displayed the text note appears saying: ‘That was a short dialogue representing a key theme and focus’
Text appears inviting you to ‘Contribute to the discussion’
Do these suggestions resonate to you? Which points do you find relevant? Can you offer any further reflections/examples from your experience and/or research? Do you have relevant resources or reference you could share with the community?