developing multicultural competence in postsecondary students
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Developing Multicultural Competence in Postsecondary Students. DESIGNING CURRICULUM FOR. Background. Higher education, in many countries, is seen as a means for improving global relations and building important connections between countries ( Chronicle of Higher Education, November 2010). - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
DESIGNING CURRICULUM FOR
Developing Multicultural Competence in
Postsecondary Students
Background
Higher education, in many countries, is seen as a means for improving global relations and building important connections between countries (Chronicle of Higher Education, November 2010)
Studying and Working Overseas
260, 300 + U.S. students studied abroad (Chronicle of Higher Education, 2010)
More students are also working abroad than ever before (Institute of International Education survey)
5.08 Million Americans live and work in other countries (Assoc. of American Residents Overseas)
Diversity on U.S. Campuses
College students in the U.S. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2007-2008).
64% White 32% African American13% Hispanic7% Asian/Pacific Islander1% American Indian or Alaskan Native
Diversity on U.S. Campuses
Diversity on college campuses also includesReligionCultural practicesGenderAgeSexual orientationStudents with disabilitiesSocial class
Multiculturalism Defined
For the purpose of this discussion the term Multiculturalism is defined as students with differing backgrounds (Moses & Bahn, 2010)
Social classSexual orientationReligious orientationLearning stylesDisabilitiesRaceEthnicityGenderCultural practices
Teaching Students to Work with Diverse, Multicultural Populations
“…. placing students of diverse backgrounds in a classroom is a necessary but insufficient condition of learning. Merely encountering differences can promote feelings of superiority and inferiority among students rather than growth and development. Particular pedagogical techniques [and diversity programs] promote the type of interaction necessary to create equal status conditions and, thus learning in diverse environments” (Hurtado, 2001, p. 5) .
Beginning with the End in Mind
I use a “backward design” in curriculum planning (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005).
I begin mapping out the course by first thinking about what I want students to be able to do and to know by the end of the course.
Using a Conceptual Framework
I use a conceptual framework for developingmulticultural competence (Pope, Reynolds,
& Mueller, 2004).
I use this framework as I design my course outcomes, objectives, and activities
Three- Part Framework
Framework for curriculum planning
Multicultural
competence
Awareness
Knowledge
Skills
Awareness
Developing an awareness of other worldviews different from one’s own
Developing an awareness about one’s own
Biases
Assumptions
Values
Knowledge
Learning about various cultural groups and what makes them unique
How oppression impacts cultural groups
History, customs, traditions, & values of diverse peoples
How cultural differences impact verbal & non verbal communications
How a person’s multiple identities (race, ethnicity, gender, religion) impact experiences in their own cultural groups
Skills
Developing skills includes abilities to :
1. Discuss differences
2. Communicate effectively
3. Develop empathy
4. Use prior learning in new situations
5. Find universal similarities
6. Advocate for others who are culturally different
7. Develop cultural sensitivity
Course Activities to Foster Awareness
Awareness
Case studie
s
ReadingsReflective writing
Course Activities to Foster Knowledge
Knowledge
Group work
Guest Speakers
Interviewing
Students
Course Activities to Foster Skills
Listening Attending &
Feedback Skills
Use of video clips
Practice attendin
g & listening
Observing body
language
Planning Better Course Curricula
Using assessments & evaluationsTo improve course effectiveness In order to redesign future curriculumSo that – I become a better teacher , students become more multiculturally competent Then I can publish findings in appropriate venues about what I have learned
References
Association of American Residents Overseashttp://aaro.org/
Fischer, K. (2010, Nov. 15) Students pull back on short term study abroad, forcing colleges to adapt. The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Hurtado, S. (2005). Latino educational outcomes and the campus climate. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 4 (3), 235-251. Labi, A. (2010, Nov. 15) University partnerships and national policies drive international enrollments. The Chronicle of Higher Education..
References
Pope, R., Reynolds, A., & Mueller, J. (2004). Multicultural competence in student affairs. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass
Moses, Y. & Banh, J. (2010). Diversity literature review in higher education: The next research agenda. Journal of
Multiculturalism in Education, 6 (3), 1-33.
National Center For Education Statistics (Table 226). http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/dt08_226.
Wiggins, G.T. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development