The impact of doctoral research 'superdiversity' at MBO

Kennedy Tielman trained as a first-grade chemistry teacher at Fontys in Tilburg after his laboratory training, then studied chemistry at the University of Utrecht, and has been teaching for about twenty years at the teacher training college where he himself was previously trained. From university of applied science via master to PhD. What drives him, in addition to his regular work, to gather so much knowledge? For the answer to that question we have to go back in time.

'After completing my teacher training, I started teaching at a laboratory school. Sometimes there were issues related to cultural diversity. Students were often sent to me - I was born and raised in Curaçao. I would do what I thought was right, but I had no basis for my actions. That made me feel uncomfortable. Once I worked at Fontys, I was allowed to do research on the design of that same school where I had worked before. That research was then published and that's how it all started.'

Media attention

In 2017, Kennedy applied for a doctoral degree. Now, five years later, his research is complete and he is finalizing his dissertation. 'Three of the four sub-studies have already been published in academic journals. In addition, the research has already received attention from various newspapers and scientific media such as Science Guide and MBO Today, and has been used in a bill before the Lower House. I myself am regularly invited to lectures and discussion panels on diversity at universities and schools.'

In his research, Superdiversity in the MBO (secondary vocational education), Kennedy looks at how teachers deal with tensions in culturally diverse classes and what competencies are needed. 'I surveyed about a thousand teachers to find out in which situation they experience the most tension. I also described how we can help teachers strengthen their competencies so they can offer equal opportunities to all students.'

Tensions

Exactly what tensions and problems are we talking about? Kennedy: 'It's about the tensions teachers sometimes experience in culturally diverse classrooms. It's about diversity in the classroom, respect, equity and personal autonomy. Those four issues were familiar to me; their existence is confirmed in my research. In addition, I found a fifth: tension related to professional attitude and ethics.'

In that fifth tension, in addition to the student and teacher, a third party plays an important role, Kennedy said. 'That is the professional practice where a certain code applies, for example a health care institution, which has certain regulations for dealing with patients. The student, from his own upbringing and background, links his own values to those regulations, and the instructor is in between. All three parties have their own frames of reference. When these come together it can cause tensions.'

More job satisfaction

Kennedy likes to keep what his main conclusions are under wraps for now, until he has done his defense at the university. 'I can reveal, however, that teachers suffer less from tensions related to cultural diversity the more cultural knowledge they have and/or an open attitude.'

Through his doctoral research, Kennedy says he has gotten better at his job. Now that I know the ropes, I can better guide my undergraduate and graduate students in their research. That's easier for me now and I enjoy my work even more. Besides, at Fontys there is now a bit more knowledge of the MBO and more attention for diversity.

Social obligation

Paying more attention to diversity is necessary and useful, according to Kennedy. 'Our society is becoming more culturally diverse and the shortage in the labor market is unprecedented. It is our social duty - Fontys For Society - to utilize all talent in society and not lose anyone. This is only possible if we offer all students equal opportunities, regardless of their background. And we can only do that if we know what the issues can be and realize that tensions can arise and that we have the competencies to deal with them. Being aware of your own attitudes and beliefs already helps. That influences your actions as a teacher.

Once Kennedy's dissertation is defended and published, a link to his complete research, including recommendations, can be found here.