Diversity in Learning Multi-cultural Communication

History Australia consists of a unique mix of people. After the Second World War, the Australian Government began a formal migration program, which has brought six million migrants to Australia. People from some 200 different countries have made Australia their home. Over 200 languages are spoken in Australia with the most commonly spoken languages being English, Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin.

Cont… In there were permanent arrivals in Australia. Of these arrivals 17.6 per cent were born in New Zealand, with 9.8 per cent born in the United Kingdom and 7.5 per cent in China. Australia's multicultural policy rests on three principles: the right to cultural identity, the value of social justice and the interest in economic efficiency.

Diversity in Schools Recognise the effect of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Use a critically reflective curriculum to examine and construct conducive learning environment. Build capacity for the full diversity of students, staff and carers to actively participate in democratic decision making and action to transform features of the school to suit individual needs. Making a commitment to educate for a socially just and harmonious Australia.

Teacher’s role Develop an awareness of the diversity of values within various societies that extends beyond cultural stereotypes Learning about the students social and cultural backgrounds. Understanding their learning needs and tailoring according to their understanding. Educating other students about cultural diversity and creating links to foster kinship within the classroom environment. Building good working relationship with student’s parents coming from diverse cultural background to cater their individual learning needs.

Cont… Developing informed attitudes and behaviour towards other cultures, events, issues and lifestyles and the ability to communicate those appropriately and effectively to other students in the classroom. Exhibiting tolerance and acceptance towards diversity in classroom and form skills for interacting effectively with school curricula activities generally. Developing culturally sensitive curricula that integrate multicultural viewpoints and histories. Apply instructional strategies that encourage all students to achieve and also cater to individual needs, gain support from Teacher Aides.

Cont… Preparing future teachers to promote meaningful, engaged learning for all students, regardless of their race, gender, ethnic heritage, or cultural background

Teacher Torque….. "We all talk to the kids on a personal level about their background and about how their families live. Agencies also help to work with the kids coming from different cultural or social context. The best practice here is that the staff make sure that all of the students are well integrated and are assisted during the rise of cultural related problems.“...Deputy principal “It’s useful for a teacher to know her students prior to teaching the class and it really helps them to understand and cater to students needs and also understand their learning ability and as well where the students are coming from socially and culturally…” ……Drama teacher

Student Torque…. "For me, as an Indigenous student, a supportive school environment means security of culture, security of identity, and shared responsibility amongst the school community. The benefits are for me, for you, for everyone."...Year 11 girl "A couple of times other boys laugh because I don't speak very good English. It upsets me and I am not able to think for the rest of the day when it happens."...Year 10 boy

Future………….. Acting for the future, The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths to it are not found, but made. And the act of making them changes both the maker and the destination. (Commission for the Future, 1989)

References: a1.htm Migration Oz - An investigative resource kit for teachers Australian Bureau of Immigration and Population (1993).Canberra: Australian Bureau of Immigration and Population Research. Gordon, S. & Maxey, S. (2000). How to help beginning teachers succeed. 2nd ed. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Valentina M (2003). Multiculturalism in Today’s Schools: Have Teachers’ Attitudes Changed Over Two Decades?University of Western Sydney. Bankstown.