Social Reconstructive Approach to Diversity

The last general approach to multicultural education listed is Education that is multicultural and social reconstructionist. The goal of this approach is social reform and cultural change. In other words, to successfully teach students in a diverse classroom. The goal is not only to successfully teach diverse students, but also to look at the bigger picture and change social inequality in ways to change society. By introducing social inequalities such as racism, sexism, and classism, students can learn alternative point of views in the classroom, in hopes to achieve social justice for all people. In the article that I found, an approach for teaching diversity, the author suggested a dozen approaches to teaching diversity. The first was, become increasingly aware of our own identities, fears, and biases as well as teach about diversity issues. In order for a teacher to teach in a multicultural classroom, they need to be aware of their own diversity issues, and become comfortable before discussing these issues in a classroom. Another approach was the fourth approach; create a safe and engaging classroom climate. Students should never feel like they cannot fully express their feelings, and engage in conversation about any topic. If there are not secure ground rules, then the classroom climate will not be stable. Another approach was the 6^th approach; structure the course so that the students learn form interaction with course material, not relying on minority students to educate their peers. I felt this was the most important approach. In a classroom where you are trying to have every student understand the issues of prejudice, exclusion, and discrimination, it should be the teacher’s responsibility to teach the issue, rather than look to the minorities in the classroom to open the conversation. By setting up a lecture versus and open discussion, students of all diversities will learn at the same rate. 

http://www.uww.edu/learn/diversity/dozensuggestions.php