Discourse on Narrative Competence-Oriented Diversity Education and its Implications

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to take a look at the discourse on diversity education, which tries to develop and expand narrative competence, and its implications. To achieve the goal, this paper deals with following themes: theoretical basis for diversity education, diversity and narrative competence, and the relationships of narrative competence, diversity education and global citizenship education. The result of this inquiry can be formulated as follows: First, in light of narrative diversity, diversity education should search for courses of action to develop narrative competence of learner. Second, globalization and individualization, universalization and digitalization of mass media, migration and cultural pluralization are the preconditions for and also the results of increasing diversity. Third, in considering the goals and tasks of diversity education, we need to pay attention also to the narratives taking a sceptic position toward diversity or not recognizing the values of diversity. Fourth, considering the increase of difference and diversity, schooling needs to reflect diverse narratives, multiple perspectives, diverse interpretations in its curriculums and activities. Fifth, task of education lies in searching for shared memories beyond divided memories, and, in so doing, we can expect to develop desirable narrative competence in its authentic sense. Sixth, if we succeed in developing narrative competence by considering and treating appropriately narrative diversity in diversity education, then we can also expect to contribute to global citizenship education.