.8 Abstract on Multiculturalism

In Dr. Allen's lecture, he addresses four main themes for teachers working in our multicultural society: first is the teaching of values, second is the increased impact of diverse cultures on the mainstream way of life, third is the need for teachers to provide support for alternative and emerging lifestyles, and fourth is the encouragement of multilingualism and dialects.

As teachers, we are having to deal with an increasingly diverse classroom, and past ways of dealing with this diversity are evolving into new outlooks. For example, we need to be able to recognize this unique class of ours as a sort of salad, not a melting pot. The god teacher should be able to preserve the students' individuality and culture through equity, not sameness. Individuality is a key component to a healthy learning environment.

Teachers need to respect each individual's right to having values, although they do not always have to agree with these values. Society provides general values, and the individuals are then able to disagree on sub-values while still maintaining an attitude of tolerance.

An increased level of multiculturalism throughout North American society leads to new conflicts of interest and expression. Total avoidance of controversial issues is not necessarily the best answer to these conflicts. Instead, flexible solutions that allow for individual preferences (remember Dr. Allen's example of prayer in schools) are far
more conducive to a richer experience for all students.

Although teachers will not always agree with the multitude of emerging and alternative lifestyles that are sprouting up all over these days, it is still necessary for teachers to support their students that arrive from these lifestyles. All children have the right and ability to learn, and it is a teacher's duty to assist and guide this process.

Multilingualism and the use of dialects are wonderful skills for children to develop. These language patterns should never jeopardize the learning of Standard English in the classroom, however.

Finally, teachers should be aware of the influences of stereotypes and ignorance. Stereotypes are not always totallynegative; some sort of generalization is often necessary as a starting point. A teacher's stereotype should never be allowed to become binding or restrictive, however. When the teacher allows their preconceived ideas to limit and cause detrimental effects on their students, something is very wrong.

Along with the issue of stereotypes is that of ignorance. Ignorance is the biggest source of negative and fear-based behavior. Don't allow your own ignorance to impede your teaching; teachers need to educate themselves, too.

	No Parrot Question
	As a new English teacher that was placed in one of the toughest inner-city high schools of Chicago, Mrs. Baker is not at all aware of how to handle the difficulties that her students face outside of her classroom that they bring with them to school each day. How can she use her value system along with those of the school board to help her studentsovercome their problems outside of the classroom and gain a more positive academic and social outlook?	Answer Here