The RefugeesWellSchool intervention, INSETT presentation

Summary

This video introduces the In-Service Teacher Training (INSET) intervention, designed to equip teachers with the skills to provide psychosocial support to refugee students, particularly Ukrainian refugees. Developed by the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, the program combines two in-person seminars with an online course focused on themes like cultural awareness, trauma-informed teaching, and refugee inclusion. INSET aims to increase teachers' competency in supporting refugee students' well-being and fostering their inclusion in school environments. The intervention has been successfully implemented in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, with promising results for enhancing educators' skills in welcoming and supporting newcomer students.

Takeaways

• 😀 INSET (In-service Teacher Training) is a professional development program designed to help teachers provide psychosocial support to refugee students, particularly those from Ukraine.
• 😀 The program was developed by Dr. Me Latin at the Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies to address the specific needs of refugee students in schools.
• 😀 The INSET intervention is relevant for teachers and school staff working with newly arrived adolescents in both mainstream and introduction classes.
• 😀 The training consists of two full-day seminars combined with an online course, allowing flexibility for teachers to complete the course at their own pace.
• 😀 Core topics of the INSET program include psychosocial challenges faced by refugee students, cultural awareness, trauma's impact on learning, and creating safe learning environments.
• 😀 The online course is developed by the Dutch August Foundation and consists of eight thematic sections, covering topics such as dealing with behavioral issues and teacher well-being.
• 😀 The program's main goal is to increase teachers' competence in supporting the psychosocial well-being of refugee students and promoting their inclusion and belonging in school.
• 😀 INSET's target group includes secondary school teachers working with refugees, but it can be adapted for use in primary schools as well.
• 😀 The course is available in several languages, including Dutch, English, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, and German, with additional translation costs if needed.
• 😀 INSET has been successfully implemented in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, where it has received positive feedback from teachers, with an emphasis on group discussions and practical classroom applications.

Q & A

What is the Inset intervention designed to do?

The Inset intervention is designed to train teachers and school staff on how to provide psychosocial and educational support to refugee students, particularly those arriving from conflict zones like Ukraine.

Who developed the Inset intervention and where?

The Inset intervention was developed by a research professor at the Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, with contributions from the Dutch August Foundation for the online training component.

Why is the Inset intervention relevant for schools welcoming Ukrainian refugees?

The Inset intervention is relevant because refugee students, upon arrival, require both psychosocial and educational support. Teachers and school staff need specialized skills to help these students integrate, feel included, and cope with trauma.

What is the structure of the Inset intervention?

The Inset intervention consists of two full-day physical seminars combined with an online course that teachers complete individually. This creates a 'sandwich design' where theoretical and practical aspects are interwoven.

What are the key themes covered in the Inset training?

Key themes include the psychosocial challenges faced by young refugees, the impact of trauma on learning, cultural awareness, creating safe classroom environments, managing behavioral issues, and promoting inclusion and social belonging for refugee students.

What is the duration of the Inset intervention?

The Inset intervention typically lasts about 10 weeks, with each seminar lasting 6 to 7 hours, while the online course involves 4 to 5 hours of study material. However, it can be adapted to a shorter time frame if needed.

Is the Inset online course available in multiple languages?

Yes, the Inset online course is available in Dutch, Finnish, German, Norwegian, and Swedish. There is also a version for primary school teachers available in Dutch, English, and German.

How has the Inset intervention been implemented so far?

The Inset intervention has been successfully implemented in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, where it was facilitated by country-specific teams in collaboration with schools and education authorities.

What challenges have been identified during the implementation of Inset?

One challenge identified is that some teachers preferred more focus on classroom practice, while others wanted more theory. Additionally, teachers appreciated the opportunity to exchange experiences, which highlights the importance of allocating sufficient time for group discussions.

Are there any costs associated with the Inset intervention?

The Inset online courses in Dutch, English, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, and German are free of charge. However, there may be additional costs for translation into other languages and for meeting and travel expenses. Online seminars are more affordable than in-person ones but may lack some interactive elements.