Multiculturalism In the Classroom

1. MulticulturalismIn the Classroom Presentation By: Dan, Chris, Lisa, Jenny, Preeti & Courtney

2. What is Multiculturalism? • “the preservation of different cultures / cultural identities within a unified society” • “several different cultures coexist peacefully and equitably” • “relating to the social or educational theory that encourages interest in many cultures within a society rather than in only one mainstream culture”

3. Multiculturalism at the Public School Level • Definition at the school level: • “Public schools in Canada serve a society which is rich in ethnic, racial and cultural diversity. …The public schools, therefore, have a responsibility for developing in all students an understanding, tolerance, respect and appreciation for the variety of cultural attributes and behaviours.” (School District No. 41 Burnaby)

4. Traditional Approaches to Multiculturalism in the Curriculum and Classroom • 1) Centered on Dominant Culture: a context where a dominant culture’s beliefs and behaviors are mainly depicted • 2) Color Denial: belief that all students are treated equally regardless of race • 3) Tourist Multicultural: teaching children of other cultures only during brief episodes during school year (Sparks, 2005)

5. The importance of Multiculturalism • Some Ideas: • Learn about diverse perspectives of the world • Learning about one another, the histories and contributions of diverse groups • Aware of other cultures around you. Larger picture of Canada (& the world) • Be tolerant, non-discriminatory of each other • Recognizing diversity in your own classroom • Democratic values, such as equality that foster cultural pluralism • Experiences at home play a significant role in how students learn at school

6. Multiculturalism & Choice Theory • Ethnic identity development is psychologically liberating and empowering • Identity clarification is a critical variable - a fundamental aspect - of human development • Referring to the Language simulation, how do you think choice theory relates? • Power, Love & Belonging, Freedom, Fun and survival

7. Multiculturalism in the Classroom • The focus for our presentation is on the transformative or integrative concept of multiculturalism. “How to incorporate multiculturalism as a fluid element in the classroom.”

8. Multiculturalism in School Subjects • An Activity… • 1) Do you think that multiculturalism is present in your subject, and how? • 2) Suggest some practical ways in which you could incorporate multiculturalism into your subject?

9. Multiculturalism in School Subjects • Rank the subjects from 1-6 (1 being most multicultural elements, 6 being least) • What did you notice about the subjects by looking at the posters? • Multiculturalism is a framework to all subjects. • The teacher has to make it a ‘transformative’ element in the subjects

10. Multicultural Environment in the Classroom • Children need to feel included and accepted • Necessary to provide variety within a structured environment that helps optimal learning for all students • Use different learning strategies that addresses the various learning styles of students in the classroom

11. Multicultural Environment in the Classroom • Classroom posters, pictures, books, music, toys, dolls that are diverse in ethnicity, gender, age, abilities an race • Our own examples

12. Multiculturalism in the Classroom • A Conclusion: • Example lessons and ideas • Final Message: Multiculturalism should be an important integrative part of the classroom and curriculum.