This Insight was originally published on the World Bank’s Global Partnership for Education website.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has displaced millions, including countless children whose education has been disrupted. As Ukrainian students arrive in host countries, schools face the immense challenge of integrating them into unfamiliar educational systems.

Providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment is crucial not only for their academic success but also for their overall well-being.

This blog explores effective teaching and learning strategies drawn from recent research to support the education of Ukrainian students with refugee status using studies contained within the HERE Knowledge Base and using the HERE search methodology.

1. Break down language barriers

One of the most significant obstacles in education for newly arrived refugees is the language barrier. Overcoming this challenge is essential for their integration into the classroom and access to learning opportunities.

Research emphasizes the importance of intensive language support programs that are tailored to students’ needs. Creating language-friendly schools that value multilingualism and provide intensive language classes can facilitate the language acquisition process for refugees.

Teachers should also explore alternative communication methods such as visual aids, gestures and the use of translators or teaching assistants proficient in both the host country’s language and Ukrainian. This approach can help bridge the gap and ensure students’ understanding until they develop proficiency in the language of instruction.

Using Ukrainian teachers or teaching assistants with shared cultural backgrounds, as done in Lithuanian municipalities, can further enhance the learning experience of Ukrainian students with refugee status.

2. Foster a supportive and inclusive environment

Many students with refugee status have experienced trauma, stress and emotional distress due to the devastating effects of war and displacement. It is crucial to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive classroom atmosphere that prioritizes their well-being and fosters positive relationships with their peers.

For example, Italian schools and teachers had to arrange inclusive strategies to integrate displaced Ukrainian students. Establishing open communication channels with students and their families and encouraging them to share their stories and experiences can promote understanding and support.

Organizing collaborative activities and joint projects between Ukrainian and local students can also facilitate cultural exchange and social integration.

Additionally, providing access to mental health services and psychological support can help address the emotional needs of refugees, enhancing their resilience and ability to learn. Creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment is vital for their successful integration.

3. Tailor instruction to diverse needs

Effective teaching and learning strategies for Ukrainian refugees should be culturally responsive and tailored to their diverse backgrounds and individual needs.

Teachers should strive to understand and respect their students’ cultural identities, incorporating relevant materials and examples into their lessons. This approach can help students feel valued and represented, fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom.

Developing individualized education plans and offering differentiated instruction can help address varying levels of academic preparation and learning styles.

One study in Czechia specifically recommends adapting educational materials to the needs of Ukrainian children with special educational needs. This personalized approach ensures that each student’s unique needs are met, providing them with the support they require to achieve academic success.

4. Promote continuous professional development and collaboration

Integrating students who are refugees into mainstream classrooms presents unique challenges for teachers. Ongoing professional development opportunities focused on intercultural education, trauma-informed practices and strategies for teaching students with diverse linguistic backgrounds are essential for equipping educators with the necessary skills.

One study in Austria underscored the need to train teachers to overcome deficit-oriented attitudes toward students with refugee status that exacerbate educational inequities.

Collaboration among teachers, school administrators and support staff is vital to share knowledge, resources and best practices. Establishing partnerships with local organizations, universities and international bodies can provide valuable guidance, training and support to address the specific needs of Ukrainian students in host countries.

This collaborative approach ensures that educators have access to the latest research and best practices, enabling them to provide high-quality education to all students.

5. Provide comprehensive and sustained support

While initial efforts to integrate Ukrainian refugees within national education systems are crucial, it’s essential to recognize that their educational journey will require long-term and sustained support. Schools and communities must be prepared to provide ongoing assistance, from language acquisition to academic support and participation in extracurricular activities.

By celebrating the cultural heritage of students who are refugees and acknowledging their educational resilience, educators can help these students feel valued and supported throughout their educational journey. This comprehensive approach ensures that the unique needs of Ukrainian students can still be met at every stage of their education within a host country.

As schools welcome Ukrainian refugees, implementing inclusive teaching and learning strategies is crucial for their successful integration and academic achievement. With empathy, flexibility and a commitment to inclusive education, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Note on contributor

Yousef Khalifa Aleghfeli is a research fellow in data science and migration with the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration program at Toronto Metropolitan University and an affiliated research fellow with the Hub for Education for Refugees in Europe (HERE) at the University of Nottingham. Yousef completed their DPhil at the Department of Education at the University of Oxford (ORCID: 0000-0002-4854-8169).

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