Cultural Differences In Multicultural Education

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In a multicultural learning environment, mutual misunderstandings will occur due to cultural misperceptions. Students may feel disrespected, bullied or harassed because of the cultural differences. Therefore, students should be sensitized to the cultural differences of others. Facilitators have the opportunity to help students to develop an appreciation for multiculturalism by exposing them to culture-based conflicts and the benefits of understanding and appreciating diversity. Students should be encouraged to consider the cultural connection as an alternative to the traditional approach because it focuses on the socio-cultural process that will prepare the students to handle prejudice, stereotyping and racism that impact them negatively in self-esteem, mental health and academic achievement. Evidence shows that traditional conflict strategies can be beneficial when used for personal and group conflicts. However, there is no evidence that it has a lasting impact on cultural differences. Conflicts will occur because of the inaccurate portrayals of particular groups in the media. The mounting inter-group tensions among students plead for cultural connection. …show more content…

However, Hackett (2004) claims that Caribbean people have a common heritage. Hackett emphasizes that in the Caribbean, we may have different cultures, but they all evolved through a similar path. Traore (2008) believes that nothing should be taken for granted. Therefore, when considering cultural connections, teachers must know the students individually rather than relying on cultural stereotypes. So, the viability of cultural connection depends primarily on teachers to facilitate discourses that are antidotes for conflicts and racial

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