Group Members: Irene Tiong Ying Ying, Phoebe Hon Yi Xin, Young Poh Ping

Discuss the roles of teachers in a multicultural classroom. Use examples to support your arguments.

The responsibility of a teacher in the classroom that consists of various races is

difficult but if the teacher understand and care for all students then the teacher can create a

culture friendly classroom.

In a multicultural classroom, teacher should teach with dedication and professional

pupils without differentiating the students’ races and do not group students by race in one

group and make sure they are of different races and gender to ensure that they are given

opportunities to interact. The teacher should not differentiate social class and they must be

given equal treatment. Teachers should be wise to conduct classes where students can mix

freely and not grouped into one social class only. Teacher ensure that pupils from different

groups to socialize and interact with each other without any cultural restrictions and

societies. Then learning will be become more interactive and fun.

Teachers teach in a multicultural classroom have to understand that there are

differences between students or between groups of students. It is important to understand

and celebrate the cultural characteristics of multi-ethnic pupils. For example, teacher needs

to respect the various cultural groups in society like the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and

Bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak. Thus, a teacher need to use skills in classroom

management to the optimum and list down all the information on rules that are compulsory

for them to adhere to when they are in school. All teachers have to understand the

behaviour and culture of students so that any action taken in accordance to the correct

methods. Teachers also need to think rationally when implementing any learning activity.

Children of different races should socialize within their groups, especially during activities

regardless of social class. For example, each activity that is implemented in the classroom is

represented by all ethnic groups and suits all the pupils’ beliefs, values and religious as well

as gender. A good example would be encouraging pupils to participate in activities like

drama, outdoor tasks, visits, etc.

Apart from that, teacher should ensure that teaching and learning activities carried

out in the classroom must be able to inculcate mutual trust among pupils. In a multicultural

classroom, the process of racial socialization regardless of religious affiliation should be

expanded so that the process of the formation of self-learning can be implemented and the

spirit of unity can be forged. Besides, activities for improving the language must be carried

out so that the students' level of language proficiency will increase and this will help students

to achieve social maturity. The use of standard language is important to promote a good

relationship among pupils from various cultural aspects. For example, teachers should use

the standard language in order to give pupils the same opportunities.

Not only that, management of students’ affairs in the classroom is indeed important.

Teacher can use sociometric research to study relationship among pupils in the classroom.

For example, teachers can then place pupils who are isolated together with the “star” pupils

in the same group. Teachers should be aware that pupils’ potentials are not determined by

their social class, gender, or ethnicity. Hence, it is not fair for teachers to generalise and

label pupils and give diffential attention to pupils. For example, teachers should devote as

much time and energy to prepare lessons and teaching materials for students from lower

socioeconomic groups as well as higher socioeconomic groups. Caring approach shown by

the teacher to educate them in using language that is polite and well-mannered, to

reprimand and to correct errors in a courteous manner will enhance love, fidelity and efficacy

of students towards teachers and this will expedite the information transfer from teachers to

students.

Nevertheless, teachers should be a role model for students to emulate and serve as

a good example in the classroom. Programs aimed at developing the students with clear

rules and instructions for decreasing negative behaviour should be developed. Teacher

should always be careful and avoid using approaches that are opposed to human norms

which may prevent students from appreciating the growth of knowledge and own skills.

Teachers can also build a dynamic classroom, emphasising moral values, friendly

relationship amongst students and giving opportunities for students to practise friendly

relationship.