Counter-effect of Refugee Movement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms

Abstract

The presence of refugee students in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms relatively influences the
development of local students as well. Students with different languages and cultural background in a learning
environment create a different atmosphere and may influence the attitude of local students to other languages and
cultures. Therefore, this study investigated how and to what extent native students were influenced from refugee
students in terms of linguistic and cultural perspective. The mixed method was used in this study. Quantitative data
were collected from local students in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms through a questionnaire and
qualitative data were collected from teachers teaching in these classrooms by means of interviews. The results of the
study revealed that there were remarkable positive effects of the integration process on both sides though various
problems emerged in diverse classrooms. The findings of this research may also give implications about the
influence of refugee movement for other cultures.