Raising Cultural Awareness of Fifth-Grade Students through Multicultural Education: An Action Research Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Raising Cultural Awareness of Fifth-Grade Students through Multicultural Education: An Action Research Study
Language: English
Authors: Sarraj, Huda, Bene, Konabe, Li, Jiaqi, Burley, Hansel
Source: Multicultural Education. Win 2015 22(2):39-45.
Availability: Caddo Gap Press. 3145 Geary Boulevard PMB 275, San Francisco, CA 94118. Tel: 415-666-3012; Fax: 415-666-3552; e-mail: caddogap@aol.com; Web site: http://www.caddogap.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2015
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 5
Intermediate Grades
Middle Schools
Elementary Education
Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Grade 5, Elementary School Students, Multicultural Education, Cultural Awareness, Consciousness Raising, Minority Groups, Social Attitudes, Whites, Racial Factors, Elementary Secondary Education, Curriculum, Action Research, Observation, Books, Childrens Literature, Comparative Analysis, Assignments, Thematic Approach, Empathy, Student Interests, Student Attitudes, Misconceptions, Bullying
Geographic Terms: Texas
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
ISSN: 1068-3844
Abstract: For decades scholars have agreed that the United States is becoming a more racially and ethnically diverse society. It is projected that the U.S. will become a majority-minority nation for the first time in 2043. By 2060, people of color will consist of 57% of the total population. Given this trend, it is hardly surprising that this social diversification is fundamentally challenging all aspects of everyday life in the U.S. Although numerous scholars, activists, and educators cannot wait to embrace the arrival of a true multicultural world, social phenomena like discrimination, inequality, injustice, and poverty still negatively affect the aspirations of peoples of color and of multiculturalists. Furthermore, the whole social system seems to not yet be ready for such change, particularly schools, where teachers are predominantly White and the curriculum remains Eurocentric. As the discourses around multicultural education and awareness grow, several researchers raise concern about how to prepare teachers and students for this challenge. In this article, the authors first explore various conceptualizations of multiculturalism that informed their approach to multicultural education. They then address the specific cultural needs of students in the K-12 school setting. In this way, this study describes the procedure of developing and implementing a program for multicultural education. Specifically, this study details: (1) The definition of multicultural education and its association with school curriculum; (2) The theoretical framework for multicultural education; (3) Methods used in the study; and (4) Discussion and implications for future development of multicultural education programs.
Abstractor: ERIC
Number of References: 42
Entry Date: 2015
Accession Number: EJ1065316
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:For decades scholars have agreed that the United States is becoming a more racially and ethnically diverse society. It is projected that the U.S. will become a majority-minority nation for the first time in 2043. By 2060, people of color will consist of 57% of the total population. Given this trend, it is hardly surprising that this social diversification is fundamentally challenging all aspects of everyday life in the U.S. Although numerous scholars, activists, and educators cannot wait to embrace the arrival of a true multicultural world, social phenomena like discrimination, inequality, injustice, and poverty still negatively affect the aspirations of peoples of color and of multiculturalists. Furthermore, the whole social system seems to not yet be ready for such change, particularly schools, where teachers are predominantly White and the curriculum remains Eurocentric. As the discourses around multicultural education and awareness grow, several researchers raise concern about how to prepare teachers and students for this challenge. In this article, the authors first explore various conceptualizations of multiculturalism that informed their approach to multicultural education. They then address the specific cultural needs of students in the K-12 school setting. In this way, this study describes the procedure of developing and implementing a program for multicultural education. Specifically, this study details: (1) The definition of multicultural education and its association with school curriculum; (2) The theoretical framework for multicultural education; (3) Methods used in the study; and (4) Discussion and implications for future development of multicultural education programs.
ISSN:1068-3844