Multiculturalism in the Educational System
Studying about a social issue that impacts a cultural group, topic, or identity as represented by the current ELL population will provide teachers with an understanding of the worldview of students from a different culture and recognize the need to create contexts of empowerment for students from diverse backgrounds in their classrooms.
Students will have the opportunity to study a social issue that is related to a chapter (2-10) using the format provided. Students will learn the chapter and topic and use these different resources to add to their studies: 6 journal articles, 2 books, 1 cultural informant, and 1 video for an attempt to gain perspective of the core values of the culture group and the interdependence of these values. Each student will make a presentation to the whole class and a corresponding poster. THIS IS NOT A CHAPTER SUMMARY presentation, students are using the chapter as a guide to present the topic to the class! Students will hand in formal outline and research paper.
Study the cultural topic with a focus on the factors outlined. Here are suggestions that can be included:
1. Use the Chapter as a Guide by identifying key factors/background information of the culture identity or topic, history/immigration/class status/differences/exceptionality, etc. Identify a problem/issue/concern? It must be a real-life issue in a particular area of school.
2. Identifying features of the language.
3. Visit or reach out to a community center that addresses this social issue.
4. Identifying/inferring positions on values orientation.
5. Discussing cross-cultural teacher-student interactions and expectations.
6. Discussing how parents of ELL students might see American schools and teachers.
7. Interview an available cultural informant(s).
8. Must include an interactive section in presentation.
9. You must include 1 portfolio activity from chapter that you will do and incorporate in your paper.
10. Must have a title page, abstract, introduction, thesis statement, problem statement (research questions, background/justification, audience, methodology), and purpose.
11. Must have a formal outline (available in Canvas or iPad App Inspiration Maps)
12. Must have a speaking outline
13. Must have a literature review section (list all your references and explain them in detail).
14. Must have a conclusion which makes forecasts and recommendations for cross- cultural elementary education
15. Must have a reference/bibliography page and page numbers.
16. Must have at least 1 chart or graph.
This the first rough draft of your research paper. Dr. Kiser will provide copious feedback. Please be sure to incorporate the feedback into your final copy of your research paper. For assistance, check out this set of resources.