How do I Teach School Multiculturism Activities?

Teaching multiculturalism is as much about "the same" as it is about "different."

Multiculturalism, or diversity, is an emotionally charged subject that is both important for students to learn about and teachers to teach effectively. People tend to consider anyone from another culture as separate from themselves. Teaching multiculturalism is not only an opportunity for students to learn about the differences between themselves and people who live differently but also a way for them to understand how they are the same as people from other cultures.

Instructions

1. Check for your own biases and fears. Also, consider how you identify culturally. Your students will look to you as they learn about diversity and may try to mirror your reaction to learning about new people and places. Being aware of your own emotions and ideas about other cultures will help you teach multiculturalism in an objective way.

2. Encourage students to reflect and use high-level thinking skills. Require them to dig deeper than simply reading about diversity and repeating what they've learned on a test. Ask them to consider cultures and talk or write about how they are different and, as important, how they are the same as their own culture. How many different cultures are represented in your classroom? Can families have their own cultures? How do the family cultures in your classroom differ? How are they the same?

3. Make your classroom safe. Start the study of multiculturalism with clearly stated ground rules about respect, and enforce them if necessary. Encourage an atmosphere of sharing and honest communication, where students feel safe and able to be open with their ideas. Be prepared for controversial topics to lead to reluctance and possibly conflict.

References

• University of Wisconsin Whitewater: An Approach for Teaching Diversity