Multiculturalism simply describes a
range of cultures that coexist in agreement. It often depicts the diversity in
the demographic structure of a particular area and encourages acceptance of
cultural contributions to that particular society (Knight, 2008). Australia’s rising diversity has contained and
embraced multiculturalism to quite an extent. The variety of ethnic and
religious groups that makeup this nation has made a rather significant
influence on Australia’s identity.
Stemming from multiculturalism is the
result of this concept as an active associate in systems that play a prominent
role in society. This regards the influence of multiculturalism in education
and the overall notion of a ‘multicultural education’. Suburbs with a more
diverse populace of ethnic and religious groups will therefore have a greater
mixture of students attending the particular school, (McDougall, 2013). To cater and allow for all students to have
access to an inclusive learning experiences there is a requirement for the
implementation of learning programs that provide assistance as well as certain
regulations that need to be placed to ensure equality and harmony.
In the school context, it is essential
for teachers to take in to consideration the multiplicity of cultures, henceforth
the diversity in student’s linguistic backgrounds. Language and literacy plays
a substantial role in the establishment of a multicultural education. Proficiencies
in language and literacy differ between individual pupils. There are certain
language levels and skills that students need to have attained before they can
achieve their full potential and excel in the classroom. The provision of
certain programs such as ESL (English Second Language), LOTE (Languages other
than English) and EAL (English as an additional language) aids students with
language difficulties to surpass in their academic endeavours.
Another major factor that will permit
multicultural education in schools is through the implementation of strong
school policies in regards to racism, prejudice and human rights. Instilling
these policies in schools establishes a fundamental boundary as well as
sustains an atmosphere of concord amongst all students, (Knight, 2008) Classrooms often reflect the
principle of multiculturalism through their school curricula. This offers pupils
with an opportunity of an insightful comprehension and perception of Australia’s
past and present history with addition to both their individual and other
cultures, (McDougall, 2011).
Multicultural education also provides students through the shared values that
are presented in their school with the basic skills that are necessary to
cooperate in intercultural settings that may not already be imposed by their
outer public associations.
Reference:
Knight, K.
K. (2008). What is
multiculturalism?. (Master's thesis, Griffith University).
ACARA (2011) English as
an Additional Language or Dialect: Teacher
Resource, Chapt 4. Retrieved 30th March 2013
from hkp://www.acara.edu.au/verve/_resources/EALD_teacher_resource.pdf
Department of Education and Early Child
Development. (2013, September 28). Multicultural education. Retrieved from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/cultures/pages/multiabout.aspx
I enjoyed reading this blog. In terms of multicultural education in school, I also think that having a diverse school staff would also be beneficial for students, as it also bridges cultural gaps and the racialism that accompanies it. Though all teachers are accountable for student achievement, and teach regardless of their and their pupil's race, reports have shown that a diverse teaching staff lets kids see teachers whose skin and maybe facial features and hair texture, etc. look like theirs, and it creates a sense of commonality that really only skin color can create. This MAY be regarded as racist if taken out of context, but I believe it creates a place where everyone is acknowledged, almost creating an unofficial 'comfort zone', especially for minority groups that have experienced discrimination in larger society.
ReplyDeleteContinuous, courageous conversations about social and racial issues in the classroom is a great way of implementing strong school policies. Speaking from personal experiences, classroom discussions where students conversed such issues of racism, human rights and prejudices had an impact on my understanding of Australian and global society. Being able to share personal input as well as take in other people's experiences has resulted in a much broader and insightful understanding of culture that is beneficial for everyone.