What communication difficulties existed between Gypsy students and teachers?
The study showed that relationships between Gypsy children and their teachers could be both positive and negative, depending on how teachers responded to the direct way in which Gypsy children often communicate. The authors described situations in which relationships deteriorated because both sides felt the other was showing a lack of respect. Gypsy students were likely to come into conflict with teachers: • if they felt a particular teacher was treating them unfairly; and • if teachers shouted at them – in these cases parents usually took the side of their child, believing this to be unacceptable behaviour on the part of the teacher. The study identified ways in which teachers sometimes interpreted the behaviour of Gypsy children which led to a deterioration in relationships. Teachers in the study remarked on their impression that Gypsy children had more freedom at home and were treated more as adults there. This seemed to be reflected in the way that Gypsy children were prepared to p
