Living in the world today, we are living with all different races and ethnicities. There are all kinds of people in the workplace and especially in our schools. Therefore, it is important to be informed and aware of all of these other cultures. In school we are introduced to different worlds through literature, so it is only natural that we can learn about other cultures through books.
I think it is important to let students learn about their peers. Multicultural education helps students to identify with their own culture, exposes students to other cultures, and brings about discussions on different cultures. I think enlightening students about different cultures will create a more comfortable environment in the classroom. For instance, if there are certain rituals a student must perform during the day, like praying, other students will know what is going on because they have read and learned about the culture. Additionally, the other student will feel more comfort without the worries of questions and taunting. I think exposing children to different cultures through literature is very effective because they are learning through a story rather than a lecture. Lastly, multicultural education about a certain ethnic group benefits that culture or ethnic group as well. Reading stories or having lessons about their own culture, students will be able to see how others go through experiences similar to theirs, come up with strategies to deal with issues in their life, and identify themselves with their innate culture.
Some of the best ways of informing students about other cultures is through literature with other additions to the readings. I think students should read fictional and non-fictional stories. After the readings, the students can watch related movies or videos. Additionally, students could act out particular scenes in the story. Students could be asked to write about feelings after reading the story. If there are museums or exhibits that relate to reading, visiting could be most helpful and give a most in depth look. Finally, I think research should be done when selecting books to make sure they are authentic, portray accurate information, and do not provide any stereotypes. Some of the worst ways spreading multicultural education would be putting books and information out carelessly. Meaning, giving books to students without screening them first. All books are not appropriate for students to read and all books are not accurate, as I stated earlier. Additionally, when conducting lessons and the teacher is not accurate on the information given, there a problem arises. Some books could cause students to develop negative or stereotypical views about particular cultures because the book was written in that a particular format. I think it is also a bad idea to give selections to students and not have any kind of follow up discussion or activity. I think students get more depth and understanding from follow up. Multicultural education is something I think students need to understand, so it wouldn’t be good if the teacher did not make sure that they understood it themselves.
I think it is important to let students learn about their peers. Multicultural education helps students to identify with their own culture, exposes students to other cultures, and brings about discussions on different cultures. I think enlightening students about different cultures will create a more comfortable environment in the classroom. For instance, if there are certain rituals a student must perform during the day, like praying, other students will know what is going on because they have read and learned about the culture. Additionally, the other student will feel more comfort without the worries of questions and taunting. I think exposing children to different cultures through literature is very effective because they are learning through a story rather than a lecture. Lastly, multicultural education about a certain ethnic group benefits that culture or ethnic group as well. Reading stories or having lessons about their own culture, students will be able to see how others go through experiences similar to theirs, come up with strategies to deal with issues in their life, and identify themselves with their innate culture.
Some of the best ways of informing students about other cultures is through literature with other additions to the readings. I think students should read fictional and non-fictional stories. After the readings, the students can watch related movies or videos. Additionally, students could act out particular scenes in the story. Students could be asked to write about feelings after reading the story. If there are museums or exhibits that relate to reading, visiting could be most helpful and give a most in depth look. Finally, I think research should be done when selecting books to make sure they are authentic, portray accurate information, and do not provide any stereotypes. Some of the worst ways spreading multicultural education would be putting books and information out carelessly. Meaning, giving books to students without screening them first. All books are not appropriate for students to read and all books are not accurate, as I stated earlier. Additionally, when conducting lessons and the teacher is not accurate on the information given, there a problem arises. Some books could cause students to develop negative or stereotypical views about particular cultures because the book was written in that a particular format. I think it is also a bad idea to give selections to students and not have any kind of follow up discussion or activity. I think students get more depth and understanding from follow up. Multicultural education is something I think students need to understand, so it wouldn’t be good if the teacher did not make sure that they understood it themselves.
I also agree that multicultural education is essential in keeping a comfortable learning environment for students, especially those that may have beliefs or rituals that may be different from the standard community. There are many ways that a teacher can contribute to teaching about different cultures. I remember in high school we had a Multicultural Day every year in which students would bring in food from their cultures or ethnic groups and would dress accordingly. This gave everyone a chance to show off their uniqueness. I thought it was great! Based on this class, what are some ways to incorporate multicultural education using technology? Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteWell I think we can use things like United Streaming to show videos about different cultures lifestyles and what has happened to their culture through the years. You can create powerpoints to introduce lessons and show pictures. When I did my student teaching I introduced Austraila with my sixth grade class. So, natrually we dabbled with the aborigines and they have a very fascinating culture. We discussed their culture through powerpoint and then I found a website that showed their creation stories, something they call dreamtime. The students really enjoyed it. Also, in my seventh grade class, we discussed WWII through powerpoint. I showed a video from United Streaming about the Jews and concentration camps so they could get a true understanding of what the Jews had to go through and their harsh, cruel, and unfair lifestyle of that time...here a link to the website about the Austrailian aborigines...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.abc.net.au/dustechoes/dustEchoesFlash.htm
love this website!
Absolutely! As we become more embedded in the vast cultures that make up who we are, there is a great need to preserve and celebrate our similarities as well as our differences. What better place to begin this discover than in a school setting?
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of students watching videos or movies to reinforce what they have learned. Something as simple as a movie or video will really help to bring the new cultures and their practices full circle.
In this age of technology where we are able to interact less and less with one another, it is important that we maintain appreciation for those different than ourselves.
As a final step, I think I would require the students to use technology in a way that proves they understood what they learned. They may have to create a brochure or a Powerpoint or something other creative piece utilizing the technology availalbe. I would do this in an effort to ensure that true transfer of knowledge occurred.