Viewpoints on Multiculturalism in America

“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.” – Jimmy Carter

After reading the Pithissippi Burning, an article in which the author discusses white supremacists who are opposed to a multicultural society, I am speechless at the debate of allowing “non-whites” to live in America. Growing up in Nashville, I was always surrounded by people from all different cultures and loved to learn how we were different and similar. I cannot understand how people could ever have an issue with multiculturalism. The article discusses how “White America” is in danger and those who believe in an “Aryan nation” is fearful of what the future holds. The article also raises the question of what the “other side” is going to do in regards of the idea. What happened to America being an equal opportunity for everyone? After reading the article, I am appalled that people are even having a debate on multiculturalism and claiming it has a negative impact on America. Racism needs to end so America can build a multicultural society that treats all equally and with respect and understanding.Besides, who gets to decide who belongs in America and who doesn't? No one should have the right to deny anyone of the freedoms in America and be respected.

In the article The Challenge of ‘Multiculturalism’ In How American View the Past and the Future, Samuel Taylor discusses the different viewpoints on multiculturalism in America. The main issue discussed was that America is losing its history due to the fact of including different cultural perspectives on topics in history and states “Multicultural" history was therefore to be a broader, more inclusive history that would give every American his rightful share of America's past.” The article states that by doing so future generations will lose their patriotism and pride in being an American citizen. By teaching “multicultural history”, I believe we are not stripping children of being proud of belonging to America. I believe it helps teach patriotism because they can be proud to belong to a nation that respects and welcomes all cultures into the classroom. By learning about each other’s culture, we can only then begin to accept the differences amongst us.

How do I teach grammar?

“Grammar is the structural foundation of our ability to express ourselves. The more we are aware of how it works, the more we can monitor the meaning and effectiveness of the way we and others use language. It can help foster precision, detect ambiguity, and exploit the richness of expression available in English. And it can help everyone--not only teachers of English, but teachers of anything, for all teaching is ultimately a matter of getting to grips with meaning.” (David Crystal, “In Word and Deed,” TES Teacher, April 30, 2004)

When teaching grammar, the teacher should have a understanding of Standard English, grammar, and the value of studying grammar in order to properly teach grammar in an ESL classroom. Standard English is difficult because people view it as the “correct” way to use English and has been referred to as a “dialect”. However, Standard English depends on where in the world the English is being used because each region has their idea of what is “correct”. Standard English is taught in schools, appears in print, and heard on news broadcasts or documentaries. Growing up, I did not know anyone with a difference accent, or Standard English, until I had a friend from New Zealand move to my school in High School. We thought it was weird the way she pronounced certain words.

The grammar of Standard English is more uniformed than Standard English is itself because of the varieties of English usage. There are fewer questions about what is grammatically correct than what is the “correct” way to pronounce words and proper ways to use English. Initially, I never thought about the Standard English and grammar being different. I thought what was taught in school was the only “correct” way to pronounce words, write, and speak English.

How will I help students learn the grammar they need? How do I teach grammar?

These are two important questions when working in an ESL classroom. Thinking about my ESL classroom, I believe that although the student’s Standard English should be honored and not made to seem inferior, it is important for students to learn to speak grammatically correct because it will aid them in their future with jobs, interviews, become an effective writer, etc. In the classroom, I believe ESL students need to hear prescriptive grammar because they first need to learn the basic structure of English that they will use in formal settings, will read in most print, and hear on some television shows. However, I also find it interesting the way a student then use the language with friends and family in informal settings. Students should be aware that in different situations, different usage of English is used. I am a firm believer that a teacher should become a facilitator of the student’s learning and the students construct their own meanings through activities or inductive reasoning. Therefore, I like the idea of using ht inductive approach to teaching grammar. Lessons may be more helpful if they allow the students to explore the grammar concept through an activity or exercise. The teacher may want to spend a lot of time exposing and engaging students to practice and exposure with the structure or grammar concept. Lastly, teachers may want to use guided practice so the students will feel comfortable enough to produce or verbally use the grammar concept.

Multicultural Education

My definition of multicultural education:

The United States is becoming increasingly diverse. Therefore, multicultural education is crucial in creating understanding and acceptance of all cultures. Before reading Paul Gorski's The Challenge of Defining "Multicultural Education", I thought I already had my definition figured out. However, my definition only covered a small portion of everything multicultural education truly entails. Multicultural education combines curriculum and education in the classroom to teach students how to accept, understand, dismiss prior prejudices and stereotypes, and appreciate cultures that are different than their own. Students will be prepared to work with people from different geographical areas and accept their differences and similarities.

Reflections on the challenge of defining multicultural education:

Multicultural education is difficult to define because it is viewed differently by so many people. Another challenge is that most of the definitions only include one aspect of multicultural education and leaves out the other vital aspects. Teachers and education institutions are among those who seem to not share a similar definition of multicultural education. Gorski states that "some see it as a shift in curriculum, others as a reference to teaching styles and testing practices, while others view it as a method for social transformation". With all of the different definitions, multicultural education is difficult to implement in the classroom across the board.

Challenges facing classroom teachers with implementing multicultural practices in their classrooms:

One challenge that classroom teachers face when implementing multicultural practices in their classroom is wanting to teach and explore cultures from all over the world and finding the time due to preparing the students for standardized testing. With so much time dedicated to teaching material that will be on TCAP, teachers are left with only a small window of time to allow the students to learn about new cultures. Unfortunately, the students then do not get to explore more in depth the differences and similarities of the cultures.