Teaching in Multicultural and Multilingual Classes: Implications and Tools for Teachers in the Current Superdiverse World

2 Introduction Within the current superdiverse world, negotiating diversity (multiculturality, multiethnicity, and multilingualism) represents a fundamental challenge (Crul et al., 2023; Goldtein, 2015; Meissner et al., 2023). The increasing globalization of economies, rapid technological advancements, increased mobility, and greater number of exchanges between different cultures, have all contributed to the emergence of a varied and changing social landscape (Vora et al., 2019). Within this portrait, research has underlined the significant role played by the education system for building more inclusive societies by actively supporting social integration for students and their families (European Commission [EC], 2020). However, this has resulted in crucial challenges for school professionals, who are now required to be appropriately trained in order to engage in culturally diverse educational practices (EC, 2017). Teachers, in particular, are demanded to achieve new high standards in classroom management, promoting high-quality learning outcomes, adopting original teaching practices (i.e., multicultural curricula, cultural awareness programs, language support initiatives), and fostering mutual understanding, respect, and integration of migrant and minority students (Alismail, 2016; Ben- Peretz, 2001; EC, 2017; Kunemund et al., 2020; Premier & Parr, 2019). Therefore, the present work will focus on research targeting these changes and challenges, and aims to emphasise the role of teachers as key agents in enacting inclusive education policies and improving educational outcomes for students. This will be achieved by first acknowledging/understanding the main dynamics and processes underpinning intercultural interactions, along with teacher/student individual characteristics influencing students’ achievement and wellbeing. This is important to develop effective strategies to support students from diverse backgrounds. Specifically, the first chapter aims to provide an overview of the changes and challenges featuring today’s superdiverse world, starting with a general overview of society (I.2), and then delving into the impact of these societal changes in the educational context (I.3). We will then examine the key role played by