Challenges of Education in aMulticulturalEnvironment

Bela StanticDept of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Novi SadEmail: bela@dmi.uns.ac.rs

Griffith University, Gold Coast, AustraliaEmail: B.Stantic@griffith.edu.au

Challenges of Education in aMulticulturalEnvironment

GlobalizationThe globalization process refers not only to typical consumer markets, but also to educational market, which has become more and more international.Therefore, many lecturers teach partially in their native and English language and students also use foreign language while learning.Therefore we are entering into real multicultural education.However, intercultural communication and understanding is not only restricted with the language.Teaching in multicultural Australia where academics and students are from diversity of countries and cultures is a real challenge.The way people view the world is determined wholly or partly by the structure of their native language.

"culture" refers to a group or community which share common experiences that shape the way they understand the world.

Multicultural environmentTeaching and learning in a multicultural environment has, undoubtedly, advantages and disadvantages.Students enrolled in courses taught by professors coming from different ethnic or linguistic backgrounds experience discomfort, tension and conflict.There are students who do not appreciate opportunities created by interaction with culturally diversified people and who have biased opinions of minority professors even before coming into contact with them. Students avoid enrolling in particular courses after seeing foreign names of instructors listed in a course schedule.

Multicultural EducationThe problems often encountered by teachers and students are: Problems of communication breakdowns between staff and students because of poor foreign language abilities and English pronunciation, Culture shock (what is common and normal in one culture it is not acceptable in another)The lack of knowledge of different cultures, which leads to misunderstandings concerning students manners. Respect, addressing, interrupting, participation, dress style, hygiene, etc.

ChallengesIf the students do not respect the professor they do not learn effectively and they do not benefit from the class.Lecturer needs to be open to other cultures and to try to familiarize the students with the differences between the patterns of behavior of the representatives of various nationalities, sub-cultures, etc.The role of the teacher is vital because the teacher is the person who builds the atmosphere during the class and through equal treatment he/she can make it easier for the students coming from different backgrounds to feel good in the group. Teachers must be prepared to effectively facilitate learning for every individual student, no matter how culturally similar or different from her- or himself.

AdvantagesIt helps to develop students intellectual, social, and personal abilities. It creates professionals with abilities to be employable on Global market.

Reexamining all Educational PracticesLearning and teaching in multicultural settings is inevitable due to the globalization. Therefore, we should take into consideration all aspects and challenges of multicultural education and learn how to teach in multicultural environment and overcome problems often encountered by teachers and students.Educators must take more active role in reexamining all educational practices: assessment methods, delivery forms, school psychology and counseling practices, educational materials and textbooks, and so on.

Required ChangesThe transformation of self:understand the people and happenings around you,examining who is (and who is not) being reached by your teaching, relearning how your identity affects students learning experiences. To be an effective multicultural educator you must be in a constant process of self-examination and transformation.The transformation of schools and schooling; Multicultural Curriculum,Supportive School and Classroom Climate.The transformation of society

ReferencesLustig, M. W. and Koester, J. (2006).Intercultural competence: Interpersonal communication across cultures. Boston MA: Pearson Education.Marshall, P.L. (2002). Cultural diversity in our schools. Belmont: Wadsworth.Martin, J.N. and Nakayama, T. K. (2000).Intercultural Communication in Contexts, 2nded. California. Mayfield Publishing Company.Meier, C. (2007). Enhancing intercultural understanding using e-learning strategies,South African Journal of Education, 27, 655-671.A. Wieczorek, A. Wieczorek, (2009). Problems of teaching in a Multicultural Environment Some insight from Poland, Proceedings of the 2009 EMUNI Conference on Higher Education and ResearchPaul C. Gorski, (2010). The Challenge of Defining "Multicultural Education, http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/initial.html

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