INTERCULTURAL MATURITY

Development Model of Intercultural Maturity

Development Model of Intercultural Maturity

Introduction

Multicultural education is a field of study that is defined by various perspectives and disciplines such as education, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. By taking the various definitions and perspectives, multicultural education is best understood as a concept and process designed to help learners recognize, accept, and value differences in culture, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and gender. One of the major objectives of multicultural education is to help all students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to perform effectively in a pluralistic, democratic society. Additionally, students are intended to learn how to interact, negotiate, and communicate with diverse people in an effort to create a civil and moral community. Furthermore, multicultural education aims to promote in learners a sense of responsibility and commitment to work toward democratic ideals of justice, equality, and democracy (Grant, 2007).

Multicultural education is a concept built on the ideals of freedom, justice, equality, equity, and human dignity as addressed by various documents of the United States such as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.

Multicultural education aims to prepare students for their social responsibilities. Recognizing the influence that schools can have in developing the attitudes and values necessary for a democratic society, multicultural education teaches cultural differences and affirms the pluralism that students, their communities, and teachers reflect. Additionally, it challenges discrimination in schools and society by promoting democratic principles of social justice.

Discussion and Analysis

Multicultural education sets out to help students develop a positive self-concept through knowledge about histories, cultures, and contributions of diverse groups. Furthermore, it prepares students to work toward attaining and maintaining equality in organizations and institutions by providing knowledge and skills for the redistribution of power and income among diverse groups. Multicultural education advocates that the focus of the teaching and learning process should center on the students' histories and experiences. In line with this method of teaching is the belief that pedagogy should take place in a context that is familiar to students and take into account multiple ways of thinking. Additionally, teachers and students are encouraged to critically analyze oppression and power relations in their communities, society, and the world.

In order to meet the goals set out by multicultural education, it is important that the ideology of multicultural education touch on all aspects of school practices, policies, and organization to ensure the highest levels ...