Multiculturalism in the Classroom Aisha Sherazi March 2011

Who Are Your Students? Are some students different from others? What are their needs? How does understanding differences help you? What kind of environment are you aiming to have in your classroom?

Potential How do students achieve their potentials? – More motivated – Student aspirations – Grades – “Happy” What are your expectations in the classroom?

Who Are Your Students Culturally? Some immigrants Some born here Some speak many languages as well as English/ French Some are from warn-torn countries Some have educated parents, others do not

Who Are Your Students Spiritually? Numerous sects/ denominations May come from practicing/ observant homes May come from secular homes Cultures often mix into religious practices, some of which don’t have roots in the faith at all

Where Do Values Fit In? Honesty Respect Trust Hard work Caring Sharing Kindness

Where Do Parents Fit In? – Value education – Are seeking better opportunities – May feel detached from system – Try to instill the importance of respect for elders – Are somewhat conventional in their thinking

Some Parents Are detached and despondent Some are single mother families with numerous children and little support To have a child attend university under these circumstances is a big achievement

Accommodations Prayer Fasting Holidays Dress Mixed gender activities in general Food Music/ Dance Crucial that in any accommodation, an atmosphere of sharing and learning is adopted as an approach, rather than an atmosphere of seclusion or isolation/ separation

School Project Ideas Peace circles for conflict situations, particularly with young people from war torn countries Multicultural clubs and societies that foster mutual respect and sharing Pot lucks for social occasions Interfaith holiday celebrations Offer language workshop days, giving students a chance to share other languages that they speak

Knowing Students Open dialogue Take time to find out backgrounds from students by developing personal relationships with them Seek out help from community if possible, or multicultural liaison officers that bridge the gap Encourage students to become part of the culture of the school itself, through student associations etc.

Small Communities Individual experience Becomes a collective experience Lack of communication can do more harm than we think

Vulnerability of Young People Young people wired in Wealth of information available online – Some incorrect – Some political in nature – Feeds into victimization culture Some not connected to community Lack of guidance

Conflict Management Strategies Get the facts Clarify values Check perceptions Negotiate methods Adjust to personalities Seek to understand cultural/ religious differences

Conflict Triangle

Mrs. Muddle a Good Model