21st Century Education: Multicultural Literacy

Stats Canada (2011) revealed that around half of the population living in the GTA area in Ontario were not born in Canada. Multicultural literacy is becoming an increasingly significant tool for both students and teachers to strive in 21^st century educational settings. As Canada’s diversity grows, there is an increasing demand for culturally responsive classroom that promote cultural appreciation and inclusion. Students need to feel comfortable of being who they are so that they can learn better in the education system. 

Multicultural literacy is consisted of a various skills and abilities to critically analyse how the classroom material was respected different base on the culture background of the authors. Students gained a deep understanding of the reasoning behind how different materials were presented in educational settings (Banks, 2004). It also involved appreciating knowledge from different ethnic and cultural background, and use these knowledge to guide students to foster global awareness (Banks, 2004).  It also emphasized on eliminating discrimination and prejudice base on students’ native language, cultural background, ethnic identity, religious belief, and gender identity in educational settings (Gunay & Aslan, 2016).

Through acquiring multicultural literacy students learn to respect and understand culture and diversity through a global lens, it prepares students to become well-informed global citizens under a 21^st century educational framework.

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As a Chinese who is currently living in Canada, my personal experience can confirm that the education system in Ontario is trying to create more inclusive classroom,  however, the current education is not doing a very effective job in promoting diversity in the classroom, students from minority background can feel left out in their learning environment. o believe the key of an inclusive classroom is sufficient education about cultural diversity in educators and students. Teachers in Ontario did not received enough education on cultural diversity. Culture is not just about what students eat on the daily basis, it also about their cultural value and cultural practice. 

References:

Banks, J. A. (2004). Teaching for social justice, diversity and citizenship in a global world.

Educational Forum, 68(4), 296-305

Gunay, R., & Aslan, D. (2016). Educational faculty members’ perceptions on multicultural

teacher. Journal of Education and Learning, 5(2), 136.

Statistics Canada. (2011, November). Census profile. Retrieved February 15, 2017, from

https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E