Definition of Multicultural Education
Multicultural Education is very important in our diverse population. Multicultural education is education chosen intentionally to help students appreciate the similarities and differences among cultures in an interdependent society. It also allows students to step outside their every day routine and experience a new world through the eyes of someone from a different background. Multicultural education can help students understand different ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, and economic situations from many geographical areas. Multicultural education can prepare students to deal with a large intercultural society.
I think one of the main challenges in multicultural education is overcoming the stereo types that are associated with certain ethnic groups. The students at my school have many preconceived ideas about any race other than white. I teach in a school that is 95% white and until recently an all white staff. Two years ago our principal hired a black music teacher. Many parents complained, and I heard several students say that they did not want to go to music because the teacher was black. However, he earned their respect and helped to change their mental image of African American culture.
The challenges facing classroom teachers are great, especially when striving to implement multicultural practices in their classroom. Teachers must overcome social bias, cultural stereotypes,and language barriers while trying to explain numerous state standards and preparing students for standardized tests.
One activity that I would recommend to help develop multicultural acceptance is to celebrate Christmas Around the World the week before Christmas break. We always "visit" Mexico, Germany, China, and Japan. We sample foods, make crafts, listen to music, and study their holiday traditions. The students enjoy the experience, and it provides a safe opportunity to teach multicultural education. A great site for introducing holiday traditions around the world is http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Christmas_Around_the_World/index.shtml
How interesting that the parents complained about the music teacher. I am so glad that he was able to work through the situation and earn their respect.
ReplyDeleteAs classroom teachers we do indeed have to wear many hats don't we? We have to prepare for tests, maintain classroom order, and encourage our students to consider multiculturalism and tolerance-- to name but a few!!
I find the Christmas Around the World activities to be interesting. Do you ever have students who are not Christian or who do not celebrate Christmas? What activities would you offer to accommodate perhaps a Muslim student or a Hindu student?
Well done!
Our school only has white, black, and Hispanic children. There are not any Muslim or Hindu students.
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