Multiculturalism in Education
Abstract
America has always been referred to as a melting pot, but ideally, it 's a place where we strive to invite everyone to celebrate exactly who he and she are. Banks and McGee Banks state, “A key component in the U.S. core culture is the idea, expressed through the Declaration of Independence, that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (p.6) Multicultural education is an idea, an approach to school reform, and a movement for equity, and social justice. A major goal of multicultural education is to restructure schools so that all students get the knowledge, attitude, and skills needed to live in a culturally diverse nation. Others include creating a safe, accepting and successful learning environment for all students, increasing cultural awareness of global issues, encouraging critical thinking and preventing prejudice and discrimination. As the US population is becoming increasingly more diverse, I believe every classroom should be a multicultural classroom. Multiculturalism in education recognizes the role schools and teachers play in developing the attitudes and values students have towards other students but also towards different cultures. As a teacher it is important to teach students to value cultural differences in other students. Multicultural education should be present in all aspects of school practices and policies to ensure the highest levels of academic achievement for all students. Banks and McGee Banks state, “Its goals are to reduce prejudice and discrimination against oppressed groups, to worked toward equal opportunity and social justice for all groups, and to effect equitable distribution of power among members of different cultural groups” (49). Ultimately, it helps students develop a positive image towards other cultures and diverse groups. I believe that students and their life experiences should be
America has always been referred to as a melting pot, but ideally, it 's a place where we strive to invite everyone to celebrate exactly who he and she are. Banks and McGee Banks state, “A key component in the U.S. core culture is the idea, expressed through the Declaration of Independence, that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (p.6) Multicultural education is an idea, an approach to school reform, and a movement for equity, and social justice. A major goal of multicultural education is to restructure schools so that all students get the knowledge, attitude, and skills needed to live in a culturally diverse nation. Others include creating a safe, accepting and successful learning environment for all students, increasing cultural awareness of global issues, encouraging critical thinking and preventing prejudice and discrimination. As the US population is becoming increasingly more diverse, I believe every classroom should be a multicultural classroom. Multiculturalism in education recognizes the role schools and teachers play in developing the attitudes and values students have towards other students but also towards different cultures. As a teacher it is important to teach students to value cultural differences in other students. Multicultural education should be present in all aspects of school practices and policies to ensure the highest levels of academic achievement for all students. Banks and McGee Banks state, “Its goals are to reduce prejudice and discrimination against oppressed groups, to worked toward equal opportunity and social justice for all groups, and to effect equitable distribution of power among members of different cultural groups” (49). Ultimately, it helps students develop a positive image towards other cultures and diverse groups. I believe that students and their life experiences should be
References: Banks,J.A., & McGee Banks, C.A. (2013). Multicultural Education: Issues and Perspectives. (8th Edition). New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Trumbell,E. & Rothstein-Fisch,C. (2008). Cultures in Harmony. Educational Leader, 66(1), 63-66. Retrieved from http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.ecollege.com/CurrentCourse/pdf/Cultures_in_Harmony_Article