Multicultural education Essay Example for Free

Multicultural education EssayFrom its early beginnings in the 1960s, multicultural education has since been in a constant state of evolution both in theory and in practice (Gorski Covert 1996). In the last four decades, it has undergone repeated transformation, focusing and conceptualization as challenges emerge one after the otherwise from a rapidly changing population demographics and a significant growth in diverse multicultural groups. The result is a multitude of conceptualizations reflecting different foci provided which basically share the same ideals rooted upon the need for transformation or change. Gorski (2000) defines multicultural education as a progressive approach for transforming education that holistically critiques and addresses reliable shortcomings, failings, and discriminatory practices in education. These shared ideals that include social justice, equity in educational opportunities, and the dedication to help students reach their full potential as learn ers and as socially conscious and active individuals provide the basis for understanding multicultural education.It is a process of action, through which adults achieve clarity about their narrow down in this society and ways to change it (Phillips, 1988). Multicultural education acknowledges that schools, among all other institutions, play a pivotal role in building the root and acting as major influencing factor for the transformation of society and the elimination of oppression and injustice. The realities of the times clearly speak for the growing importance and relevance of multicultural education.Cultural diversity in schools is indeed one considerable challenge but like any other, it can be a most pick up opportunity. History has shown us that nations are enriched by the ethnic, cultural, and language diversity among its citizens (Banks, 2001). Schools play a significant part in finding ways to harness and direct cultural diversity into creating unity and progress in scho ols and ultimately to society in general. References Banks, J. A. (April 2001).Diversity within unity Essential principles for teaching and learning in a multicultural society. New Horizons for Learning. Retrieved on May 28, 2009 from http//www. newhorizons. org/strategies/multicultural/banks. htm Gorski, P. Covert, B. (1996 2000). Defining multicultural education. Retrieved on May 28, 2009 from http//www. edchange. org/multicultural/define_old. html Phillips, C. B. (1988). Nurturing diversity for todays children and tomorrows leaders. Young Children 43(2).