Training teachers for diversity and inclusive citizenship. Pedagogical strategies for countering violence and hate speech

Abstract

The paper explores a focus group activity, focalising on “Violence and hate speech”, within a university teacher training course. In these focus groups, the teachers reflected on: use of language in relation to stigmatised groups, representations of diversity, ways of spreading hate speech online, teachers’ perceived competence in countering hate speech, perceived degree of inclusion and safety within their classrooms. The aim was to promote awareness and build a positive counter-narrative, in which differences are perceived as valuable and diversity as an opportunity for mutual growth. The participants’ interventions showed how the development of preventive educational strategies and the adoption of peaceful conflict resolution models can improve inclusion experiences at school, fostering an education that encourages responsibility and respect. The paper analyses the opinions and expectations of the aspiring teachers to create inclusive educational environments suitable to counter hate speech and violence.