The infusion of multicultural education in teacher education programmes with specific focus on reading methods courses

Abstract

Abstract Multicultural education, a dominant theme in education over the past decade, is often viewed narrowly as an effort to enhance race relationships. In actuality the term multicultural implies much more. Current usage connotes the role of education as a transmitter of understandings of all cultures—e.g. the culture of the aged, the religious, the poor, the rich, the handicapped, the gifted, the ethnic minorities— the cultures of the world. This focus reflects an educational philosophy which encompasses a broad awareness of individual differences and worth. For colleges of education to plan effectively for the infusion of multicultural concepts in teacher preparation programmes, the involvement of the total faculty is imperative. This paper presents suggestions for implementation which involve three levels—the college level, the departmental level, and the course level—with specific emphasis directed toward the integration of multicultural education into already overburdened reading methods courses w...