Education for a Multicultural Society
A Discussion Paper Based on the Report to the Council of the Directors of the Queensland Department of Education
Description:... This monograph discusses the approach taken by the educational system of Queensland, Australia, to develop and implement a multicultural education program. The document is presented in five major sections. In the first section, a report of objectives, philosophy, and activities of the Queensland Working Party on Multicultural Education is presented. Broad objectives include assisting children to develop a personal identity which incorporates their ethnic heritage, encouraging them to contribute to the national identity, and helping all teachers, students, and schools recognize that education for a multicultural society is the concern and responsibility of all schools. Specific ways in which these objectives can be achieved include emphasizing the intrinsic worth of all peoples, stressing the positive social contributions of cultural differences, and developing curriculum which is multicultural in content and global in perspective. Sections II and III offer an overview of the multicultural nature of Australian society. Data are presented on cultural diversity in schools, demographic factors, and numbers of students receiving instruction in English as a second language. Section IV focuses on the role of the school in a multicultural society. Information is presented on teacher education, curriculum development, the need for multicultural sensitivity, objectives, language studies, and community programs. Section V identifies possible sources of multicultural support within the community. The final section offers recommendations for implementing multicultural objectives in areas of community involvement, teacher development, curriculum development, and school resources, personnel, and organization. (DB)
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