Multiculural Education is

According to Banks and Banks (1995) Multicultural education as a field of study is designed to increase educational equity for all students According 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:

1. The transformation of self 2. The transformation of schools & schooling 3. The transformation of society

Transformation of Self
Characteristics of Culturally Responsive Teachers (Villegas and Lucas, 2002) 1. Socio-cultural consciousness 2. Affirming attitude toward students from culturally diverse backgrounds 3. Commitment and skills to act as agents of change 4. Constructivist views of learning 5. Learning about students 6. Culturally responsive teaching strategies

Transformation of Schools
Aspects of multicultural school transformation include the following: (Gorski, 2010) Student-centered pedagogy Multicultural curriculum Inclusive educational media and materials Supportive school and classroom climate Continual evaluation and assessment

Transformation of Schools
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 7 Key Characteristics of a Multicultural Education Curriculum (Gorski, 2010) Delivery Content Teaching and Learning Materials Perspective Critical Inclusivity Social and Civic Responsibility Assessment

The Transformation of Society

Dimensions of Multicultural Education

Goals of Multicultural Education

Creating a safe, accepting and successful learning environment for all Increasing awareness of global issues Strengthening cultural consciousness Strengthening intercultural awareness Teaching students that there are multiple historical perspectives Encouraging critical thinking Preventing prejudice and discrimination

Benefits of Multicultural Education

Multicultural 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.

Benefits of Multicultural Education

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 Education

Multicultural 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.