Purpose of Multicultural Education
According to the National Association of Multicultural Education (n.d.) multicultural education includes variety of strategies teachers use to assist students “develop a positive self-concept by providing knowledge about the histories, cultures, and contributions of diverse groups”(Ordway, 2021). These strategies aim to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes so students are prepared to work in a rapidly evolving global workforce (Ordway, 2021). Koppleman (2011) recognized that a culturally diverse or multicultural education include students with different ethnic and racial background and students of different nationalities/countries who come to the US to gain quality education. Focus need to be on acknowledging students’ differences and adapting curricula to meet the needs of students. Therefore, multicultural education pedagogy requires teachers to re-evaluate their curriculum and include resources that provide equal opportunity to all the students irrespective of their sex, color, race, and ethnicity (Banks & Banks 2009; Alghamdi, 2017).
In order to include multicultural education in classroom teachers can start by acknowledging and emphasizing importance of cultural and linguistic differences among students. By recognizing these differences, teachers can help students to become more confident and not feel ashamed because they are “different” from the majority population. Instructors who utilize strengths of students are able to create opportunities that lead to better educational outcomes (Oritz, 2012; Alghamdi, 2017). This can be demonstrated by additive approach to teaching in bilingual education where instructors work with students to develop secondary language skills but not “at the expense of primary language.” Usage of this approach allow students to continue learning, speaking, reading and writing in native language while acquiring and developing secondary language at the same time (Oritz, 2012; Alghamdi, 2017).
Advantages of Multicultural Education
Advantages of multicultural education classroom include engaged students, friendly and inclusive environment, and better educational outcomes. Adoption of multicultural teaching approach builds confidence and collegiality between students and teachers which in turn results in better scores on national and regional exams. Furthermore, participating in classroom tasks allow students to learn from one another by sharing different views and thinking from different cultural experiences (Oritz, 2012, Alghamadi, 2017).
