§03§ §16§Intercultural and ethical issues are part of our daily lives. They share characteristics that make them particularly sensitive and sometimes volatile. The challenges that increasing diversity brings into education and schools in general are many as can be seen in this volume, for instance, in the Scandinavian countries, Estonia, United States, Canada, Japan and China. There are conflicting interpretations of multiculturalism and interculturalism. Culture plays a key role in different interpretations: North America is more tuned into hybrid aspects of students' identities, while in many European countries ethnicity still dominates the discussion. Good teachers make a difference. They have an understanding of the socio-political context of education as well as intercultural competence. The essays in this book portray multicultural, intercultural, and global as well as theoretical and practical approaches to diversity and education. §02§The Editors: Mirja-Tytti Talib is an adjunct professor on multicultural education and multicultural teacher education at the University of Helsinki. Jyrki Loima is an adjunct professor and administrative principal of Teacher Training School at the University of Helsinki. Heini Paavola, Ph.D., is University lecturer on multicultural education at the University of Helsinki. Sanna Patrikainen, MA, Ph.D. Candidate, is researcher at the University of Helsinki. §02§The Editors: Mirja-Tytti Talib is an adjunct professor on multicultural education and multicultural teacher education at the University of Helsinki.§ Jyrki Loima is an adjunct professor and administrative principal of Teacher Training School at the University of Helsinki.§ Heini Paavola, Ph.D., is University lecturer on multicultural education at the University of Helsinki.§ Sanna Patrikainen, MA, Ph.D. Candidate, is researcher at the University of Helsinki.
