Abstract:

Introduction:
Siberia is a multinational region of Russia. Major migrant flows come from Central Asia. Cultural differences cause conflicts and arguments between migrants and the host community, which increase tension in the society. This is certified by the empirical data presented in publications (R.Rafikov, D.Trufanov, O.Smolyaninova 2018). Interethnic tension in the educational environment actualizes the challenge of training mediators aimed at development of intercultural dialogue and interethnic relations harmonization. The article presents a model of intercultural mediators Master’s program. The model is based on fundamental theory of mediation in education and multi-ethnic Siberian region peculiarities of migration and intercultural interaction. Master’s modular curriculum design was fostered by the research within the framework and sponsorship of the project powered by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFFR). No 18-013-00528 «The study of mediation practices in the field of education for harmonization of interethnic relations in a multicultural environment»

Methodology:
For development of the Master's curriculum we used the following methods: theoretical analysis of training mediators models (refresher courses, retraining, Master's courses, summer schools); comparative analysis of European and American mediation practices; competence approach, based on academic and professional standards. Among the main learning-teaching methods there were: problem learning, case studies, role-playing games, internships. To organize feedback and study the effectiveness of the model we used questionnaires, observation, content analysis and interviews.

Main concepts:
A long-term study of the socio-cultural diversity of Siberia in the framework of TEMPUS and RFBR projects resulted in development of conceptual model of Master’s program training of intercultural mediators for the education sector. The qualification framework integrating European and Russian standards was designed and tested. The model of intercultural mediators training is based on the three professional standards: teacher’s, mediator’s and specialist’s in the field of interethnic relations. The concept is in establishing fundamental, theoretical, practical and qualification components for professional competency building of the students. The Master's program includes the following modules: methodological, management, legal, instrumental, communicative modules, internship and research work. The internships are organized to provide professional practice under the supervision, introducing professional activities at school reconciliation and mediation services to students. The program is competency and resource oriented. All the Master’s courses are done in blended learning supported by Moodle.

Summary:
The objectives of the empirical research are to study academic community and local environment opportunities for integrating migrants in the host society and introducing mediation practices at schools. Improving the quality of training of intercultural mediators at Siberian Federal University involve promoting interaction with Russian and European universities, increasing academic mobility.

References:
[1] Smolyaninova O. (2018). Mediation Practices in education: Intercultural Context of Multinational Siberia//EDULEARN18:Proceedings, Spain, pp. 3862-3867.
[2] Trufanov D., Rafikov R. (2018).The Regions Migration Space and Its Deformation. Siberian Socium, vol.2,pp. 97-114

Keywords:

Intercultural mediation, intercultural conflict, migration, multicultural environment, Master’s program.