Multicultural Education Definition

Web Log (Blog) Entry #1
Working definition of multicultural education
Multicultural education is the ability of teachers to present materials inclusively, without bias. . Students are the center and the reason we are in the classrooms. Also, teachers must be culturally responsive to the needs of all students. We can help students learn how to deal in social interactions with other groups in activities that foster growth by preparing lesson plans that are effective for this reason. Societal issues take an ever increasing role in our schools and we as teachers are at the forefront of many situations. I believe all students can learn if given a positive and equal opportunity environment. Students should be given every opportunity to reach their full potential in their educational growth.
Record your initial, personal, reflective thoughts regarding the challenge of defining multicultural education.
Initially, I had to review my personal baggage regarding multicultural education. This was done by critically assessing the point at which I currently reside. A thorough self examination is important in this search. As I reflect on the reality of life and my experiences, I see the social injustices facing many in our society. To do so without assessment is full hardy. I realize that the social environment I grew up in was sheltered and white. The fact that I grew up in a white only environment, literally, was the main obstacle. My ideas of multicultural education are far more reaching now than ever before. I am much more tolerant as I have experienced personal growth in my life. However, after taking the different quizzes given within our content pages, I was shocked to learn some of the facts that I did learn. Teachers pour their hearts out to those that need their trust and help. How can you not love that little kindergartener no matter what ethnic group? Students need understanding and compassion in their plight within our education system. I believe that the role of education is to produce a learned society that can fully understand the ramifications of the rights and wrongs of the status quo. Change is evolution and hopefully not revolutionary in our society. Perspective teachers can take multicultural education courses before they graduate to help them prepare.
Briefly discuss the challenges facing classroom teachers as they strive to implement multicultural practices in their classrooms.
Teachers face many challenges as they incorporate multicultural education into their classrooms. Teachers that previously taught only in a one race system in an affluent school system probably face a much larger challenge than those that have been subjected to a varied student population. However, a teacher that has only taught in an economically deprived neighborhood sees only the injustices. Teachers must be willing to learn as they are taught “how to” teach multicultural education to all students. There are countless lesson plans, activities and many other resources available from the internet as well as books. Teachers should present a more holistic, inclusive style as they present material. The site maintained by Paul C. Gorski, Multicultural Pavilion www.edchange.org/multicultural/curriculum/steps.html offers many web connections for teachers. It is also very important that the heritages of students be incorporated into the curriculum. By honoring all we are showing acceptance and respect of all groups and presenting the mosaic of America. We must weave the accomplishments of all into the curriculum and not one over the other in isolation. Oddity of one over another should be avoided. It is equally important that students know the heritage of this great nation and the importance of preserving this heritage.