Oral History Essay
This web page is
an oral history project regarding multiculturalism in schools. In order to gain
first hand knowledge I interviewed a teacher on her views about the topic. The purpose of this oral history assignment
is to come to a competent analysis regarding this topic based on the interview
and research. The intention is to
gain knowledge that is not only found in research materials but also from the
primary source.
Canada
is a country that has been rapidly growing in population, and many immigrants
have entered the country making up a large portion of the population. Various types of ethnic groups have
settled all over Canada allowing it to become a diverse nation with a lot of different
customs, religions, and languages. This creates challenges for the educational
aspect of life in Canada because many children do not speak English, and many
come from a mixture of different backgrounds. Education is an essential tool in every person’s life and it
should be made available to everyone regardless of what ethnicity they
are. All students deserve to have
an equal and fair education in an environment where they can feel safe. To ensure that children are at the
maximum capability to learn the classroom setting should be free from racial
biases and any form of discriminatory gestures. Children need to understand that ethnic origin does not
determine the principles of equality of people.
The
definition of a multicultural education is a difficult one to define because
several unique definitions can be given.
There is no definite example that is universally acceptable. It seems that each educator has his or
her own definition they follow.
During the interview one of the questions posed asked, “What is your
opinion in general about multiculturalism in schools? (Like a definition)” She
responded by saying that she thinks multiculturalism in classrooms is more than
merely having children within the class from different cultures. It is also about knowledge and
understanding of different ethnic cultures and backgrounds. In terms of a school, multiculturalism
is expressed by having clubs/committees such as the ‘Asian-Youth society’ which
I had in my high school or by holding events such as culture shows where
dances/traditions from all over the world are exhibited. As we continued our discussion I asked
her how her view could be compared with other teachers. She responded by saying that many teachers
think that multicultural education is a necessity, and that it should be taught
in and out of the classroom; while other teachers think that it should only be
taught in history and should not be incorporated in subjects like Music and
French.
It is important to remember that not all
areas in Canada are equally inhabited.
Some places such as the rural farming areas may not have the same kind
of numbers in regards to population as other regions in Canada have. People coming from different cultures
tend to settle close to relatives or people from the same communities as
them. This makes the diversity
especially in Canada, rather scattered.
Many people with barriers in English chose to live in places where their
needs will be met with support. A
concern that has come up while researching multiculturalism in schools is the
question of accessibility to assistance programs to help students deal with
multicultural issues. I also asked
for some examples of these types of programs, the response given by Sandy is
the following, “There are many options available to students to help deal with
any issues they may be having concerning their ethnicity. In high school there are associations,
and committees that tend to these needs by providing support and information.
Also there are television programs on MTV or Much Music that have a panel of
adolescents come together and talk about sensitive issues of importance to
them. These are also great
learning tools for youth because they learn how to engage in mature debate. However, in primary schools the issues
that children face are often not expressed because the students at this age are
still gathering their thoughts about these topics. This in my opinion makes it the teachers’ responsibility to
introduce ideas and concepts about the prevention of stereotypes and racist
ideals. In the past my school has
put together dramas or plays demonstrating scenarios that may occur and proper
ways to deal with them. If a child is having serious problems it is best for
the student to seek advice from the guidance councillor. They are available every day and by speaking
with them about his or her problems, the issue can be passed onto teachers so
they can be aware of what is going on in the school”.
In
terms of the accessibility of assistance programs in Canada Sandy feels that
the likely hood of finding English as a Second Language (E.S.L) programs in
small towns may be more difficult than urbanized areas like Vancouver. She feels that, “there are some places
in Canada where children of ethnic backgrounds do not have the same opportunity
to explore their culture, and students are not being exposed to diversity on
the same level as other students are in say Toronto or Mississauga.” The overall point that she stresses is
that multiculturalism in general is by and large accepted throughout Canada,
however there are some places that have not yet been exposed to other cultures
on a large scale. As the interview
went on I shared the experience I had while doing my concurrent education
practicum in Lakefield, and she said that it is inevitable that some places are
going to be less mixed, and that is only an hour away, imagine places 5 or 6
hours away from urbanized areas.
This is a good point because as indicated above the programs can only
take place if there is a demand for them so they will be taken seriously. Also another aspect that was not
addressed in any of the journals used is the issue of cost. For a school to employ a trained E.S.L
teacher costs a lot and the boards do not see the need if there are only a handful
of students that need this type of help.
She pointed out that this often is an issue for special needs students
and students with language barriers are sometimes not seen as priority.
In the journal written by James Banks
called Multicultural Education and Curriculum Transformation, it states that
multicultural education in schools must prepare students to live and function
effectively. I posed the question,
‘how important is multiculturalism for today’s society?’ She basically said that
multiculturalism is a big part of people’s lives here in Canada especially
because everyone has their own unique identity and people are encouraged to
continue it. People need to be
aware of each other’s beliefs so they can respect others.
This
article also mentions a system that he believes helps people understand the
different meanings of multiculturalism/multicultural education. There is an idea or concept such
as, ‘all students should have equal opportunities to learn regardless of the
racial, ethnic or social-class to which they belong’ (page 391) There is also
the notion that multicultural education is a reform movement that empowers
student and gives them a voice.
Finally multiculturalism can be seen as a continuing process, which
strives to teach ideas of justice, equality, and freedom, which are seen in the
constitution. (Also in the Charter
of Rights and Freedoms).
When
trying to gather information about the prevention of racism and prejudice
ideals it is easy to find many strategies that educators can use to teach
students how to be respectful and tolerant but it is interesting to see what
actually works with teachers in their classrooms. One of the follow up questions I asked was regarding what
worked best for Sandy in her class and she said that the most effective way of
teaching this idea of equality is by enforcing it. She said that she is very attentive and tries her best to
set the guidelines of what is and is not acceptable. “There needs to be specific rules, and children learn from
example, especially at this young age.
If someone acts in an unacceptable manner the children need to see that
this will not be permitted. In the
case of multiculturalism perhaps in the older grades students need to know if a
comment is said that is in any way deemed offensive that there will definitely
be consequences.” She is a strong
believer in the zero tolerance policy because in her opinion this sends out a
clear message that racism is wrong.
Coupled with this approach she thinks the educating youth about other
cultures will make them appreciate other ideals and make them more open-minded.
In
conclusion the interview provided much knowledge that may perhaps be impossible
to learn through reading academic journals. It has been established that multiculturalism in schools is
important to address in order to have a functional society that has respect for
differences in other beliefs and religions. In a country such as Canada with such a diverse population
it is almost impossible to have a full understanding of all the various types
of cultures that are present. It
is however an accomplishment to be able to say that our youth respect and
embrace Canadian diversity.