I chose to read this article because it challenges the importance
of multicultural education! I was doing further research on multicultural
education so that I can better implement this in my future classroom. This
article argues that multicultural education should not separate students
from one another. Instead teachers should satisfy the educational needs
of each student in the same setting. Rita Dunn claims that several programs
that have been created to address cultural difference are deficient.
She includes programs that promote bicultural approaches and monocultural
approaches to education. She claims that the key is to pay attention to
the varied learning styles of all students and my doing so the goals of
multicultural education can be achieved.
Some programs emphasize pluralism, cultural equity, increased racial
tolerance, or multilingualism. Dunn believes that these focuses are mostly
political rather than educational or social. Dunn has found in her research
that it isn't necessarily the content that is taught, but rather how it
is taught that will make a difference. Students who aren't high achievers
(from other cultures or from the dominant U.S. culture) learn differently
than those who are high achievers. In conclusion, this article stresses
that high achievement is possible without curriculum modifications based
strictly on various cultural differences. Instead the focus of curriculum
change should be based on the different cultural learning styles. Dunn
believes that the melting pot doesn't diminish one's heritage, but rather
creates a blend of the best characteristics of all cultures.
Questions for the Author
1) How exactly is multicultural education mostly political?
Don't you
think there are benefits that extend beyond the political arena?
2) From what I have learned doing my research multicultural
education in a
sense includes paying attention to learning styles of learners. You
have stated that the opposite is true. Are their studies that you have
looked at that show that focusing on learning styles will accomplish multicultural
education? If so, explain.
3) Do you believe in James Banks five dimensions of multicultural
education? These include more than changing just the material presented
in class. These dimensions promote changing teaching methods to address
all students equally. Isn't this addressing students as individuals by
modifying the structure of the classroom for all?
4) What suggestions do you have for teachers about meeting
the learning styles of all children? How do you feel a teacher should go
about recognizing individuals needs and managing to make the necessary
changes without taking away from the class as a whole?
5) Even thought high achievement can be possible without
changing the material presented in class, isn't there more to focus on
besides academic achievement? Do you agree that there is a necessity for
multicultural education in order to reduce social problems such as racism,
ageism, sexism, etc.?
Alyssa Cherbas