Multicultural Education: A Challenge for All.

This paper addresses the role of the classroom in bringing students of different backgrounds together and the role of the teacher in creating an atmosphere in which students not only get along well with each other, but also develop respect and appreciation that they carry with them outside of school. There is a need to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony within the educational environment to offset the ill effects of stereotyping and prejudice that can inhibit multicultural education. The paper also discusses teacher attitudes and resistance to multicultural education and ethnic events, stemming in part from their limited education and experience in these areas. It is concluded that schools are becoming more diverse each year, reflecting changes in society. Schools can no longer afford to ignore racial and cultural tensions nor the differences in learning styles that these cultural differences create. (Contains 5 references.) (GLR)