Multicultural Education,Diversity in the Classroom

ByNetawn Kiogima

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4034383939/

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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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School’s role: official language English, bilingual programs have been replaced by NCLB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