The argument for a more diverse curriculum is built on the philosophy that culture matters. Students know their own culture, beliefs and values. What they often do not have is an understanding of the cultures and experiences of groups other than themselves. We cannot depend on families to fully and accurately educate children about the experiences of other groups of people or to produce a culturally diverse education. Some might question why they should learn about these “other” people. The fact that people are asking that question illustrates the need to learn more. Having a diverse curriculum exposes children to values, achievements and struggles of people other than themselves. In learning about others, students will find many commonalities among their experiences.
By the time students arrive in the classroom they have all developed some idea of how society works from the confines of their own homes. The knowledge we learn in our homes needs to be integrated with the experiences and perspectives of different people. Classrooms should be the place where we foster connections, understandings and examine who we really are as a country. Exposure to a diverse curriculum helps to achieve this goal.
No comments:
Post a Comment