What do you think of this article do you agree with it . It is about culture?

Culture in the Classroom








Multicultural education is defined as education and instruction designed for the cultures of several different races in an educational system. It is a concept that has been around for decades, but one that is getting more and more attention in public education in recent years. This is due to the rising number of culturally diverse students growing up in the United States; a trend that is, by all projections, going to become more and more prevalent in the years to come.





One reason for the need for multicultural education stems from the fact that different cultures learn in different manners. For instance, Vietnamese children are taught to remain silent during class and not to question instructors. Israeli children, by contrast, are taught to openly challenge an instructor when they are saying something that is seems incorrect.





These differences extend to ideological influences as well. In a more socialized society, such as are found in Germany and Italy, priority is placed on group achievement and people tend to be more externally motivated and stimulated by feedback from others. Individualist cultures, like those found in Japan and the United States, are dominated mores by individual achievement, and people tend to be more personally assertive, competitive and task-oriented.





Differences such as these can cause a conflict for instructors when deciding on curriculum, teaching methods and student evaluation. A classroom discussion meant to benefit everyone could become a forum for some students to dominate, while others will remain reticent, causing them to appear uninterested or uninformed. By the same token, studies have shown that student evaluation in tests can favor students from a particular cultural background by playing to strengths developed in that culture and ignoring those found in another culture. Another telling indication of the problems facing multicultural initiatives is the lack of math, science, and history text books written by minority authors.





Multicultural education intends to prepare both instructors and students for communication in a diverse world by eliminating stereotyping and prejudices, and by recognizing the inherent differences in the way students respond to instruction, participation, and evaluation. However, there is a delicate balance to be maintained between multiculturalism and unity in the classroom, and efforts that may seem beneficial can lead to feelings of alienation and fragmentation in the student population.





Multicultural education is a growing priority for all classrooms, from grade school through college. Consider how your upbringing has affected the way you approach education. How do you think the experiences and influences you have had in your life may differ from the student sitting next to you? What are ways that you think the differences and similarities among differing cultures could be used advantageously in a classroom? How could they be harmful?

What do you think of this article do you agree with it . It is about culture?
The teachers must be educated to the cultural differences. A child who is in a culture that is quiet will have to be encouraged more etc.





I am a firm believer, that when in Rome.....





That means that the only way for children to assimilate into our culture is to be exposed to it and participate in it.





Of course, we can also teach about other cultures, so that children have knowledge of and understand their classmates better. This would also encourage cultural pride, by letting each child know that their culture is important enough to teach about in a country where every culture is present.