Module 1

Module 1: Overview of Multicultural Education

What are the goals and characteristics of Multiclultural Education?

- - Identify course objectives and requirements
  - Introduce yourselves to your classroom community
  - Review course syllabus and identify assignments and due dates
  - Identify the characteristics and goals of multicultural education

Many different scholars have come up with a “definition” for multicultural education; it’s a large encompassing topic. Depending on your interpretations, experiences and attitudes you may or may not agree with all definitions. Just as it is important to formulate your own philosophy of education, it is important to have a clear view of what multicultural education means to you.

Over the course of the semester, we will cover topics such as language diversity, ethnicity, race, gender, socioeconomic status, bias, prejudice etc. Some of the topics we look at will be uncomfortable and sensitive. I ask that you all walk into this course with an open mind, willing to learn from others and share your own thoughts. Remember, there are many ways of looking at one thing, many paths that lead to the same destination. So as we embark on this journey together, let us be respectful and appreciative of others' opinions.

In this module, you will begin by creating your own definition of multicultural education. What will this look like for you in your own teaching, in your own classroom? How will you honor the students who walk through your door? How will you teach them to embrace differences of others and themselves and accept that we are all different and yet we are all same in many ways?

CLICK HERE - Just for fun, view the photo of one of my own elementary classrooms. It is a typical photographic representation of classrooms here in Hawai'i, a multicultural classroom.....see if you can me! What will your own class picture look like when you are teaching your own class, and if you are teaching, how diverse are your students? How will you honor each and every student that comes through your class? Let's use this question to guide our conversations this semester.

1. Read the course syllabus and identify major assignments and due dates.

Also note that the order of each week includes the following:

Each week, check the corresponding module(s), complete readings and video screenings
Modules are laid out in the same way each week. Introduction tells you what the week's objective and topic is. The activities are a list of things to do. Articles or videos will be accompanied with guiding questions. These are for you to consider while you complete the reading or viewing. You do not submit answers to this, simply consider while reading or viewing.

Weekly Work:

You will have either a discussion post or assignment due each week
assignments are submitted as attachments in PDF format by 11:55pm - Sunday of the week
Discussions are submitted in the discussion section - type into text box (not attachment) by 11:55pm - Sunday each week

For each assignment - read the template - which gives specific guidelines to follow. Use the student samples as ideas, do not plagiarize from these.

3. Read EMAIL ETIQUETTE - PRIOR TO SENDING ANY EMAILS

4. View Power point presentation - Goals of Multicultural Education

5. Read Article: Interview with Dr. Paul Gorski

What does Dr. Gorski say about the definition of Multicultural Education?
Do you agree? Why or Why not?

6. Read Article: Introudction to Multicultural Education

What does the author say about multicultural education?
What type of programs exist in our schools regarding multicultural education?

7. Review the requirements for Discussions

Discussion Overview:

Discussions on assigned readings and classroom topics are pivotal to your success in this class. You will earn 35 points for answering the questions) thoroughly and 15 points for response to at least one classmate.

The Discussion are like quizzes and supplement face-to-face discussions and cover weekly topics and material. You are expected to use the forum discussions as time to interact with colleagues and share ideas and information beyond what is done in class in order to demonstrate your understanding of course content.

250 word count minimum for each post - Due by Thursday of each week

100 word count minimum for each response to classmate Due by Sunday of each week

Your Post due by Thursday 11:55pm of each week

Your Response to Classmate due by Sunday 11:55pm of each week

Be aware of the Doʻs and Donʻts of Discussions:

This is treated similar to a quiz, and you will have only one chance to submit. You will not be able to delete or edit your post. You may not submit more than one post. If you do so, only your FIRST post will be graded (even if it is blank or you forgot something). So be mindful of this.
Your post should be well-thought out and written in academic language (not slang or text language). Your responses should reflect that you've done the reading and reviewed all course material for the week. It may include your personal opinions but should be primarily based on the course material for the week. In order to earn full credit for your post, you must answer each part of the question thoroughly. Your response must site direct evidence from the reading or material. It must demonstrate that you did the reading/watched video and comprehend. In other words, this is an academic response and not simply adding your opinion.
Late posts are not accepted and will not be graded
Do respond to at least one classmate for each discussion. Your response should also be reflective of the course material, written in academic language and not merely "good job" or "I like your post" type of responses. Your responses to classmates will criticize, agree, disagree or make a statement. Refrain from simple statements like "I like what you said" or "I agree". Be sure to substantiate these statements with evidence. If you agree, explain why. You are required to respond to one classmate. Only your first response will be graded, however you are free to respond to more classmates.
Type directly into the text box (do not attach documents)
Discussions will include multiple parts. POST IN ONE THREAD ONLY. Do not start multiple threads for each part. Use labels within the one conversation (Part I, Part II, etc.). Also DO NOT re-write the questions. Simply label "Part I, Part II, etc)
You will not be able to edit or delete your post, so be sure to submit only when you have answered thoroughly to each part. ONLY your first post will be graded.
USE 12 POINT TIMES NEW ROMAN OR ARIAL - BLACK FONT. Do not use large or colorful font. Do not triple space.
Don't fall behind on these Discussions...there are no make-ups or late posts

8. Watch video: How to Post a Discussion

9. Post a clear picture of yourself to your Lamakū Profile

The purpose of this assignment is to create a classroom community online. Since we will not meet face to face, this help us make connections and build relationships.

Post a clear head shot/photo of yourself to your profile (with only you in the photo and NO SNAP CHAT or other FILTER).
CLICK HERE for step by step instructions on how to change your profile pic in Lamakū. You can also view a quick video tutorial.
Your photo should be a clear head shot photo of just you (without anyone else in the photo) and not upside down or sideways
This is due in the first week of the semester and will be marked in assignments
Be sure to upload a screen shot of your profile and upload in the assignment tab

Do Not post a picture of your fur baby.

DO post a professional picture of yourself alone.

Do not post a pic of you and all your friends.

Whatʻs Due this Module:

Discussion Post 1

Syllabus Quiz

Post a clear head shot of yourself in your Lamakū Profile

As you've read in the this week's readings and seen from reading classmates' I Am introductions, students come from many different backgrounds and belong to many groups. This will be the case in your own classroom. One size does not fit all, and we must think about how we will reach all of our students. In this course, we will examine the various groups our students belong to and how we can best serve them. We will explore multicultural education as a topic of study, but more importantly you will determine how this will look in your practice when you are in your own classroom.

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Some words of encouragement for my students - to do well this semester - NO EXCUSES, Just do it!

Make it happen

The obstacle itself is not enough to stop you. What stops you is your assumption that you can’t get past that obstacle.

The problem is not that you have too much of this or too little of that. The problem is, you’re waiting for perfect conditions that will never come.

The achievement that really happens, happens in the real world. The things that get done, get done in less than ideal conditions.

Don’t make excuses for why you can’t get it done. Focus on all the reasons why you must make it happen.

There will always be challenges. And there will always be something you can do to get beyond each one.

Listen closely, and hear that your dreams are calling you. Feel their pull, feel their positive power, and do what it takes to make them real.

— Ralph Marston

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