New Goals for Multicultural Education- What will work?

Laura Nugent

There is a steady rise in the immigrant population as the US moves further into the twenty-first century. Educators can view this as an opportunity to create a dynamic learning environment in which cultures can learn from each other. What are the ideal goals to reach for in the future multicultural classroom? There are probably more questions than answers, but we can start with some specifics and some teacher tips.

Question: How does an immigrant student assimilate into the new culture and still retain their cultural heritage?

Answer: Students need to know that their heritage is essential to preserve. Although every student has to “be on the same page” with the curriculum, that doesn’t mean that they have to lose their roots. Teacher tip: Give each student an assignment to give a power presentation on their culture.

Question: How can a teacher integrate indigenous wisdoms of other cultures?

Answer: New issues in religion, economics and history could be discussed in the classroom. The more students know about each other, the more the illusions dissipate and respect grows. Teacher tip: A teacher can teach her students to be culturally curious by introducing media technology that documents other cultures.

Question: What about biases and prejudices?

Answer: In a perfect world, there would be no biases or prejudices, but we are all human and formed by our experiences; however everyone should be aware of their attitudes, assumption and expectations toward another culture. Teacher tip: A carefully designed questionnaire for teachers, students, parents and administrators would be an effective tool for learning about one’s inner feelings.

Question: Is standardized testing in a multicultural age obsolete?

Answer: It seems that way; the original tests were created in an era where diversity was not an issue.

Question: Will the quality of education diminish when all cultures need to be “on the same page”?

Answer: Not necessarily, the curriculum can still be adhered to.

In conclusion, we live in an interdependent world as evidenced in last week’s current events. A joint meeting of world leaders was held at the United Nations in NYC, the G20 Economic Summit of 20 major industrialized countries and the Clinton Global Initiative were held at Pittsburg, PA. We are working together globally. A trans-international trend in education is forthcoming where traditions need to be respected, best practices in education shared and the strengths of other countries acknowledged. The world needs to be brought into the classroom. Creativity in new curriculum is the goal for multicultural education. Teachers can promote international media in education, preserve individual cultures and prepare students for an international workplace.