Exploring the Impact of Mentoring on Teacher Effectiveness in Superdiverse Educational Environments

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15694705

Keywords:

mentoring, interculturalism, teachers, effectiveness, skills, knowledge, attitudes

Abstract

This research study seeks to examine primary education teachers' perceptions about the contribution of mentoring practice to the effective management of interculturality in the contemporary educational environment. The qualitative methodological approach was followed, whereas semi-structured interviews, as a research tool, were used to explore the theme holistically. The convenience sampling technique was chosen, whereas the sample consisted of ten primary school teachers working in schools in the Region of Western Greece. All participants acknowledge the importance of the role of the mentor in modern school units, provided that he/she has the appropriate mindset and skillset.

References

Adebayo, B., & Sunderman, H. M. (2023). Intercultural Mentoring in Higher Education. Journal of Leadership Studies, 17, 66-73. https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.21868

Bachtsiavanou, M., Karanikola, Z., & Palaiologou, N. (2023). Perceptions of ZEP Teachers towards Parental Involvement of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families: Promoting School–Family Cooperation. Societies, 13(7), 159. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13070159

Badia, A., & Clarke, A. (2021). The practicum-mentor identity in the teacher education context. Teaching Education, 33(4), 355–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/10476210.2021.1920910

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Giovanangeli, A., Oguro, S., & Harbon, L. (2017). Mentoring students’ intercultural learning during study abroad. In Intercultural interventions in study abroad (pp. 88-102). Routledge.

Glover, A., Jones, M., Thomas, A., & Worrall, L. (2024). Finding the joy: effective mentoring in Teacher Education. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 32(4), 377–394. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2024.2360605

Haenssgen, M. J. (2019). Interdisciplinary qualitative research in global development: a concise guide. Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83909-229-920191006.

Karanikola, Z., & Nikolopoulou, M. (2024). Exploring the role of teachers and the community in the inclusion of migrant students in the contemporary Greek school context. American Journal of Education and Learning, 9(2), 222-233.

Karanikola, Z., & Panagiotopoulos, G. (2025). Identity Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in Contemporary Multicultural Settings: The Contribution of Intercultural Mediators. Genealogy, 9(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy9010018

Lash, M., Madrid Akpovo, S. & Cushner, K. (2022) Developing the intercultural competence of early childhood preservice teachers: preparing teachers for culturally diverse classrooms. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 43(1), 105–126. https://doi.org/10. 1080/10901027.2020.1832631

Parker, A. K., Zenkov, K., & Glaser, H. (2021). Preparing school-based teacher educators: Mentor teachers’ perceptions of mentoring and mentor training. Peabody Journal of Education, 96(1), 65–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2021.1877027

Spyridonos, V., Karanikola, Z., & Palaiologou, N. (2024). Translanguaging as a Teaching practice for linguistically diverse students. Intercultural Education, 35(1), 78–95. https://doi.org/10.1080/14675986.2023.2278372

Swartz, S., Barbosa, B. & Crawford, I. (2020) Building intercultural competence through virtual team collaboration across global classrooms. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 83(1), 57–79. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329490619878834

Tenreiro, V., Jabbaz, M., Carmona, C., Aneas, A., Shuali, T., Simó. M., & van Driel, B. (2020). Addressing educational needs of Teachers in the EU for inclusive education in a context of diversity - Volume 3. Part 1. In C. Centeno (Ed.), Assessment guidelines for teacher education and training practices on intercultural and democratic competence development. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. https://doi.org/10.2760/811156, JRC122828.

Theodosiou, A., & Aspioti, M. (Eds.) (2015). Research report on intercultural mediation for immigrants in Europe. http://mediation-time.eu/images/TIME_O1_Research_Report_v.2016.pdf

UNHCR. (2017). Handbook for Interpreters in Asylum Procedures. UNHCR Austria.

Vaccaro, A., & Camba-Kelsay, M. J. (2018). Cultural competence and inclusivity in mentoring, coaching, and advising. New Directions for Student Leadership, 158, 87–97. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1252615. Accessed October 4, 2023.

Vještica, S., & Sjekloća, V. (2020). Protection through cultural mediation. Handbook. UNHCR. https://data.unhcr.org/es/documents/download/83858

Wong, S. P., Soh, S. B. & Wong, M. L. L. (2022). Intercultural mentoring among university students: the importance of meaningful communication. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 91, 13–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2022.08.008

Young, C. A., Haffejee, B., & Corsun, D. L. (2018). Developing cultural intelligence and empathy through diversified mentoring relationships. Journal of Management Education, 42(3), 319–346. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562917710687

Downloads

Published

2025-06-19