‘Arabic creates an atmosphere of safety because it is our mother tongue:’ inclusive training for Arab students at a teacher training college in Israel

Abstract

This article describes the learning experiences of Arab preservice high-school teachers on a teacher education programme tailored to their needs at a teacher-training college in Israel. The aim of the study was to gain a deep understanding of Arab students’ learning experiences on courses taught in Arabic and focused on the Arab education system. A qualitative data analysis revealed one main theme: Use of the native language, Arabic, promotes learning. This theme was divided into seven sub-themes. The findings indicate a significant contribution of courses taught in Arabic to the students’ positive emotional learning experience, promoting a sense of confidence, intimacy, and sharing in a sociocultural context. To this end, the issues are examined in depth and conceptualised in theoretical and practical terms. The results of the analysis are expected to assist Arab preservice teachers’ professional and personal development and to facilitate inclusion of minority groups in higher education in Israel and worldwide.