Multicultural Education,Diversity in the Classroom
ByNetawn Kiogima
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fayekoss/
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Students have a greater
understanding for each
otherGreater
understanding leads to respect for each other
Different worldviews
and perspectives
Gaining and sharing
knowledge
Why is multicultural education and diversity in the classroom important?
When a student is proud or ashamed to be who they are
Inclusion vs. Exclusion
Comfortable vs. Uncomfortable
Safe vs. Hostile
Familiar vs. Strange
Diversity promotes a broader and more equal education….
Is it a safe or hostile environment:Does the student feel safeTrusting adults and peersIs it a place of learning for self expression
Classroom Environment
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/3387327059/
Diversity Acceptance
Positive Learning
Environment
Positive Student Learning
An example; A Chinese Language Case StudyStudent’s role: no opportunity to speak or
learn Chinese, their Native language was not embraced by school
Parent’s role: fought for bilingual programs
School’s role: official language English, bilingual programs have been replaced by NCLB
Language, Bilingualism, Identity
Middle school teacher makes an effort to teach class about a Native American Tribe:
Continue…..”Teaching Respect for Diversity: The Oglala Lakota”
Integrated Curriculum
Literature:Oglala
language and books
Social Studies:Modern
day lifestyle,
reservations
History and Art:Creation Stories, teepee, painting
Chinese Literature
Native American Dance Exhibition in a classroom
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoann/3911441884/ Netawn Kiogima, personal photo
Impact on K-12 Education:
Learning
Motivated Curriculum more effective
Student Self-Identity
Higher Self-Esteem Self-Confidence
Embracing Student Diversity
Cultural Understanding
Respect for each other
Project TEAMProject Transformative Education Achievement
Model“effort to prepare teachers of culturally diverse
student populations”
Three Themes of TEAM’s Seminars1. A sense of community with minority student
peers2. Developing a stronger sense of ethnic identity3. Working for social justice through multicultural
education
Recruitment of Minority Teachers
“The melting pot of American education has roots in the beginning of early America….Whether they were immigrants, slaves, Indigenous, or Founding Fathers, all of our ancestors had contributions that helped shape America.Right-wing, left-wing, religious, independent gay/lesbian, migrant workers, or none-of-the-above, all backgrounds are present in American public schools today, Embrace Diversity.”Netawn Kiogima
Conclusion,
Pass, Susan. Teaching Respect for Diversity: The Oglala Lakota. Social Studies 100 no5 S/O 2009 Heldref Publications
Ramirez, A.Y. Ethnic Minorities and Teaching. Multicultural Education 16 no4 Summer 2009
Wang, Yuxiang. Language, Parents’ Involvement, and Social Justice. The Fight for Maintaining Minority Home Language, A Chinese-Language Case Study. Multicultural Education 16 no4 Summer 2009
References