Learning From Difference Comparative Accounts Of Multicultural Education

This book analyses the experiences of multicultural education in nine very different international settings uncovering insights from a vast variety of educational contexts. Taking a multi-critical approach in reporting and discussing problems faced by increasingly multicultural and multilingual societies the nine case studies reflect radically different assumptions about what counts as ‘ difference’ and what should be the appropriate ways for education systems to respond to differences. While each country’s approach seems unique, analysis of the divergent treatments of internal population diversity elicits a genuinely global instance of the increasingly shared phenomenon of cultural pluralism. Discussing various successes and failures of policy enactment, theory, pedagogy and management of diversity, the book isolates both the differences and similarities in the unique geopolitical and socio-historical contexts of the countries investigated. A key value of the book is that it greatly expands the range of settings, experiences, epistemologies, ontologies and practical experiences that are typically encountered in mainstream discussion of what counts as 'multicultural education'. In effect, all societies are in some way ‘dealing with difference’ – this volume helps widen the scope of reflection and thus facilitates increased, global ‘learning from difference’.

This book explores and expands upon linkages between multicultural education and critical pedagogy, drawing on the shared goal of challenging oppressive social relationships.

The aim of this book is to present some recent research findings on dif-ferent aspects of multicultural education, thus informing educators of issues, policies and new approaches to multicultural education being used around the world. The chapters that you are about to read document sev-eral important themes in multicultural education. The first chapter by the editors presents an introduction and overview of the field of multicultural education by presenting its goals, historical background, assumptions and conceptual framework so as to set the stage for the chapters to follow. Attempting to cover the many views on different aspects of multicultural education goes beyond the scope of this introductory chapter. However, we have presented the historical origin and some of the recent issues and sug-gestions by prominent scholars including James Bank, Christine Sleeter, Sonia Nieto, Robert Cooper, and Robert Slavin with regards to policies, curriculum contents and teaching approaches in multicultural education.

The second edition of this source book contains essays and annotations on a number of issues related to multicultural education. The authors define multicultural education as a process-oriented creation of learning experiences that foster an awareness of, respect for, and enjoyment of the diversity of our society and world. Inherent in this definition of multicultural education is a commitment to create a more just and equitable society for all people. This book, then, offers suggestions relevant to the teaching of all children, all teaching and curricular decisions, and every aspect of educational policy.

How can we create truly multicultural classrooms? In this new edition of her popular text, renowned early childhood educator Patricia Ramsey draws on a wide range of research and practice from different communities around the world to further explore the complexities of raising and teaching young children in a world fraught with societal divisions and inequities.Using engaging examples and stories, this comprehensive volume offers concrete suggestions to encourage teachers to reflect on their own histories and experiences and to challenge and rethink their assumptions and attitudes toward children and teaching. This new, up-to-date edition describes research-based classroom practices to engage children in exploring the complexities of race, economic inequities, immigration, environmental issues and sustainability, gender and sexual orientation and identities, and abilities and disabilities. It also addresses the challenges of teaching in the context of globalization, pervasive social media, and increasing standards and accountability. Book Features: Addresses social and economic inequities and how they affect staff relationships, interactions with parents, and children’s classroom experiences.Offers strategies to help teachers initiate conversations with colleagues, parents, and children.Discusses long-term structural decisions about early childhood programs, as well as day-to-day classroom teaching plans.Includes questions that prompt teachers to recognize the influence of overt and covert societal forces on their motivations and views of children.Free supplemental resources, including a comprehensive list of suggested books, can be downloaded at www.tcpress.com. “A pioneer in multicultural/social justice education for young children, this book reflects Patty Ramsey’s life-long commitment to, and ever-deepening understanding of the issues, challenges, and hopes of inclusive, equitable early childhood programs. At a time when our country seems increasingly polarized over the value and meaning of justice for all, her insights and suggestions are as needed as ever.” —Louise Derman-Sparks, international consultant on anti-bias education with children and adults, and co-author of Leading Anti-Bias Early Childhood Programs: A Guide for Change “This book is a timely, relevant resource for anyone who works with young children in any capacity. It supports practitioners to develop an individualized approach to infusing multicultural education—broadly defined—into their world views and work. Ramsey makes a clear and convincing case that multicultural education is not an ‘add-on’; it is a vehicle for shaping children’s lives and creating a more just society.” —Takiema Bunche Smith, Director of the Early Education Leadership Institute at SCO/FirstStepNYC

The overarching message of Multicultural Education: Teaching and Learning in the Global Village is that knowledge comes from many different sources, and future educators must engage with diverse writing styles, methodological approaches, and cultures to prepare for the diversity they will encounter in their classrooms. The book uses a variety of voices and materials ranging from the scientific to the popular and the conventional to the provocative, to promote classroom discussion and serve as writing prompts on issues related to diversity. Students develop mental flexibility and critical thinking skills through exposure to different opinions, perspectives, and sources of information. To enhance exposure to ideas outside the mainstream, the book includes works by unknown authors and stories from faraway places. Multicultural Education: Teaching and Learning in the Global Village demonstrates that the best way to study diversity is through a global, interdisciplinary framework rather than a traditional textbook approach. The book is well suited to courses on diversity and multiculturalism, and classes on teaching methods for pre-service teachers.

This book tells us how various global regions are dealing with three major concerns within the field of multicultural education: *the conceptualization and realization of "difference" and "diversity"; *the inclusion and exclusion of social groups within a definition of multicultural education; and *the effects of power on relations between and among groups identified under the multicultural education umbrella. All of the chapter authors pay attention to these themes, but, at the same time, they bring their particular interests and perspectives to the book, addressing issues, such as linguistic, racial, ethnic, and religious diversity; class; educational inequalities; teacher education; conceptualizations of citizenship; and questions of identity construction. In addition, the authors offer both historical and social contexts for their analytical discussion of the ideals and practices of multicultural education in a particular region. This is not a book that tells us about multicultural education with an international "twist"; it provides readers with different ways to think, talk, and do research about issues of "diversity," "difference," and the effects of power as they relate to education.

Theory and Practice of Multicultural Education: A Focus on the K-12 Educational Setting provides an in-depth discussion of the principles and practice of multicultural education in the K-12 classrooms. Building on a theory of multicultural education as a learner-centered pedagogy, the book begins with a discussion of the learner and the educational process, addresses the issues of culture, worldview, and their implications for the educational process. The historical foundations of multicultural education, as well as the practical steps to doing multicultural education in a K-12 classroom were discussed extensively with practical tips for teachers on how to do multicultural education in the K-12 setting.