TITLE

Multicultural EducationMulticulural Education is According to Banks and Banks (1995)Multicultural education as a field of study is designed to increase educational equity for all studentsAccording to James A. Banks (1997)Multicultural education is an idea, an educational reform movement, and a process.According to Paul Gorski (2010)Multicultural education is a progressive approach for transforming education that holistically critiques and responds to discriminatory policies and practices in education.

Three Strands of Transformation:The transformation of selfThe transformation of schools & schoolingThe transformation of society

Transformation of SelfCharacteristics of Culturally Responsive Teachers (Villegas and Lucas, 2002)Socio-cultural consciousness Affirming attitude toward students from culturally diverse backgrounds Commitment and skills to act as agents of change Constructivist views of learningLearning about students Culturally responsive teaching strategies Transformation of SchoolsAspects of multicultural school transformation include the following: (Gorski, 2010)Student-centered pedagogyMulticultural curriculumInclusive educational media and materialsSupportive school and classroom climateContinual evaluation and assessmentTransformation of Schools7 Key Characteristics of aMulticultural Education Curriculum (Gorski, 2010)DeliveryContentTeaching and Learning MaterialsPerspectiveCritical InclusivitySocial and Civic ResponsibilityAssessmentThe Transformation of Society

Dimensions of Multicultural EducationGoals of Multicultural EducationCreating a safe, accepting and successful learning environment for allIncreasing awareness of global issuesStrengthening cultural consciousnessStrengthening intercultural awarenessTeaching students that there are multiple historical perspectivesEncouraging critical thinkingPreventing prejudice and discrimination

Benefits of Multicultural EducationMulticultural education increases productivity because a variety of mental resources are available for completing the same tasks and it promotes cognitive and moral growth among all people.

Multicultural education increases creative problem solving skills through the different perspectives applied to same problems to reach solutions.Multicultural education increases positive relationships through achievement of common goals, respect, appreciation, and commitment to equality among the intellectuals at institutions of higher education.

Multicultural education decreases stereotyping and prejudice through direct contact and interactions among diverse individuals.

Benefits of Multicultural EducationMulticultural education renews vitality of society through the richness of the different cultures of its members and fosters development of a broader and more sophisticated view of the world.Benefits of Multicultural Education