Article
Reflections on Intercultural Learning in the Classroom
ID # 3719
Reflecting on our class’s discussion on Moving Beyond Tolerance in Multicultural Education by Sonia Nieto I realize that it is the article that has catalyzed the most thought about my perspective on intercultural learning. This article was published in the spring of 1994, around the time I started my schooling, and it is shocking for me to see how the approach to integrating various cultures into schools curriculum has evolved. For example, Nieto often speaks to a multicultural education as something as an aspect of education that was not focused on but added on if time allowed. Currently, I think that intercultural learning is still seen by too many as just an addition to a lesson or section. However, I believe that the expectation of what students learn from lessons on cultures has evolved. In Moving beyond Tolerance in Multicultural Education it seems that classrooms and presentations were focused on just observing other cultures and respecting them. Conversely, during our class discussions we have moved beyond wanting students to just observe differences and instead desire for them to identify their own cultural perspective and attempt to identify similarities with distinct cultures. I believe that this approach of self-reflection and then application will create a better environment for dialogue because the student no longer feel removed from other cultures and people; students are not only learning this new information but also relating to it which I believe will increase their desire to participate in discussion.
Lately, I have been grappling with the question of whether there is more, less, or equal value with a single intercultural presentation, for example a culture day, versus providing a consistent presence of intercultural learning. I think that answering this question or even pondering it comes down to a narrowing of ones desired effect and the type of presentation one wants to give. Whether for a day or a year, I would like my presentation to foster an interest that students continue to pursue. The more I think about this conflict the more I am convinced that there is not a single correct answer and that it is actually more a question of quality. Whether a day long or yearlong if my presentation is of qualityallows students to identify their cultural perspective and identify similaritiesthen perhaps I have succeeded in transmitting my understanding of intercultural learning.
As always, I would love to hear your reactions and feedback so feel free to comment.