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1: Multiculturalism

  • Page ID
    88959
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    Our goal for students is to not only be familiar with Foundations concepts, but also to be scholars of Foundations of Education. The additional readings selected throughout the course modules reflect this goal, as we have included authors who are considered experts in the field to supplement the content course content. In this module, you will be exposed to Sonia Nieto, Diane Ravitch, and Ronald Takaki.

    Learning Objectives

    Upon completing this module, students will be able to:

    • Define and discuss the idea of multicultural education and the different philosophical approaches to accomplishing this.
    • Understand the historical roots of multicultural education
    • Explain the idea of culture and be able to provide examples of how culture is influential. (Key terms: dominant culture, ethnocentrism, cultural capital, compensatory programs, acculturation)
    • Recognize the various acculturation outcomes for immigrants

    • 1.1: Introduction to Multicultural Education
      This page examines multicultural education's significance in embracing diverse backgrounds to foster understanding among students. It critiques the tendency to address only superficial cultural differences rather than deeper equity issues, tracing its evolution from historical movements like intergroup education and the Civil Rights Movement. These efforts led to the establishment of ethnic studies programs, expanding into multiculturalism by addressing gender and disability.
    • 1.2: Sociopolitical Contexts of Education
      This page highlights the influence of sociopolitical contexts on educational policies, emphasizing that education is shaped by the values of decision-makers and affected by historical discrimination against marginalized groups. It introduces Functionalist and Conflict Theories to analyze the complexities of equality in education.
    • 1.3: Sociocultural Contexts of Education
      This page highlights the vital role of culture in education and society, particularly through multicultural education, which fosters understanding between various cultures. It defines culture as a guide for societal conduct and discusses enculturation and socialization as cultural responses. The dominant culture influences expectations, potentially leading to ethnocentrism, while cultural relativism encourages comprehension.
    • 1.4: Responses to Culture
      This page explores acculturation, the adoption of a new culture by individuals or families, mainly among immigrants. It highlights two models: Rambaut & Portes' patterns, which include consonant, dissonant, and selective acculturation, and Berry's model, offering a broader view.
    • 1.5: Conclusions
      This page examines multicultural education's design and implementation in schools, referencing scholars like Sonia Nieto, Diane Ravitch, and Ronald Takaki. Nieto highlights key tenets for multicultural programs, while Ravitch promotes pluralism and Takaki argues against a unified culture. The page invites readers to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these perspectives and their practical implications in educational contexts.
    • 1.6: Activities and External Resources
      This page focuses on multicultural education by exploring acculturation models and multicultural philosophies. It encourages discussions on immigrant experiences in light of Berry’s and Portes and Rambaut’s frameworks, comparing particularism and pluralism. A reflective writing assignment on cultural norms and ethnocentrism is included.


    This page titled 1: Multiculturalism is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Deanna Cozart, Brian Dotts, James Gurney, Tanya Walker, Amy Ingalls, & James Castle (GALILEO Open Learning Materials) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.