DESIGNING CURRICULUM FOR

Developing Multicultural Competence in

Postsecondary Students

Background

Higher education, in many countries, is seen as a means for improving global relations and building important connections between countries (Chronicle of Higher Education, November 2010)

Studying and Working Overseas

260, 300 + U.S. students studied abroad (Chronicle of Higher Education, 2010)

More students are also working abroad than ever before (Institute of International Education survey)

5.08 Million Americans live and work in other countries (Assoc. of American Residents Overseas)

Diversity on U.S. Campuses

College students in the U.S. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2007-2008).

64% White 32% African American13% Hispanic7% Asian/Pacific Islander1% American Indian or Alaskan Native

Diversity on U.S. Campuses

Diversity on college campuses also includesReligionCultural practicesGenderAgeSexual orientationStudents with disabilitiesSocial class

Multiculturalism Defined

For the purpose of this discussion the term Multiculturalism is defined as students with differing backgrounds (Moses & Bahn, 2010)

Social classSexual orientationReligious orientationLearning stylesDisabilitiesRaceEthnicityGenderCultural practices

Teaching Students to Work with Diverse, Multicultural Populations

“…. placing students of diverse backgrounds in a classroom is a necessary but insufficient condition of learning. Merely encountering differences can promote feelings of superiority and inferiority among students rather than growth and development. Particular pedagogical techniques [and diversity programs] promote the type of interaction necessary to create equal status conditions and, thus learning in diverse environments” (Hurtado, 2001, p. 5) .

Beginning with the End in Mind

I use a “backward design” in curriculum planning (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005).

I begin mapping out the course by first thinking about what I want students to be able to do and to know by the end of the course.

Using a Conceptual Framework

I use a conceptual framework for developingmulticultural competence (Pope, Reynolds,

& Mueller, 2004).

I use this framework as I design my course outcomes, objectives, and activities

Three- Part Framework

Framework for curriculum planning

Multicultural

competence

Awareness

Knowledge

Skills

Awareness

Developing an awareness of other worldviews different from one’s own

Developing an awareness about one’s own

Biases

Assumptions

Values

Knowledge

Learning about various cultural groups and what makes them unique

How oppression impacts cultural groups

History, customs, traditions, & values of diverse peoples

How cultural differences impact verbal & non verbal communications

How a person’s multiple identities (race, ethnicity, gender, religion) impact experiences in their own cultural groups

Skills

Developing skills includes abilities to :

1. Discuss differences

2. Communicate effectively

3. Develop empathy

4. Use prior learning in new situations

5. Find universal similarities

6. Advocate for others who are culturally different

7. Develop cultural sensitivity

Course Activities to Foster Awareness

Awareness

Case studie

s

ReadingsReflective writing

Course Activities to Foster Knowledge

Knowledge

Group work

Guest Speakers

Interviewing

Students

Course Activities to Foster Skills

Listening Attending &

Feedback Skills

Use of video clips

Practice attendin

g & listening

Observing body

language

Planning Better Course Curricula

Using assessments & evaluationsTo improve course effectiveness In order to redesign future curriculumSo that – I become a better teacher , students become more multiculturally competent Then I can publish findings in appropriate venues about what I have learned

References

Association of American Residents Overseashttp://aaro.org/

Fischer, K. (2010, Nov. 15) Students pull back on short term study abroad, forcing colleges to adapt. The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Hurtado, S. (2005). Latino educational outcomes and the campus climate. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 4 (3), 235-251. Labi, A. (2010, Nov. 15) University partnerships and national policies drive international enrollments. The Chronicle of Higher Education..

References

Pope, R., Reynolds, A., & Mueller, J. (2004). Multicultural competence in student affairs. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass

Moses, Y. & Banh, J. (2010). Diversity literature review in higher education: The next research agenda. Journal of

Multiculturalism in Education, 6 (3), 1-33.

National Center For Education Statistics (Table 226). http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/dt08_226.

Wiggins, G.T. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and

Curriculum Development