Secondary School Students’ Perspectives on Cultural Diversity: Insights from Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain

This study investigates secondary school students' perceptions of cultural diversity across five European countries: Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, and Spain. Using a quantitative research approach, the study involved a survey designed to assess students' attitudes towards cultural diversity and critical thinking. The total number of students participating in the study is 352. The findings reveal a generally positive disposition towards cultural diversity, with students demonstrating empathy and support for marginalized individuals, as well as culturally diverse people and gender identity, were mixed, indicating the need for more structured intercultural learning interventions. The study highlights the importance of intercultural competence development and critical thinking training in schools to better prepare students for life in an intercultural society. These results informed the development of the Reciprocal Maieutic Approach (RMA) under the Erasmus+ REACT project, aimed at enhancing critical thinking and inclusive education practices.