Teachers
College, Columbia
University | Department of
Curriculum and
Teaching
C&T4501:
Teaching
and
Learning in
the
Multicultural Classroom
Course
Overview
This course is designed to
stimulate discussions about a range of issues related to equity and
student
diversity in schools and classrooms throughout the United States.
Diversity is represented in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, economic
status, language, religion, learning styles, ability, special needs,
and sexual orientation. Due to the limited time available, these topics
will be presented in a precursory fashion, though in small breakout
groups there will be the occasion for more depth of discussion. The aim
of the course is to sensitize educators
to the differing needs of students and to foster an exploration of
one's
own beliefs and experiences with regard to issues of diversity. One aim
of the course is to foster dialogue and
communication
among educators, thereby establishing collaborative networks for
the continuing understanding of issues of teaching and learning in the
multicultural classroom.
Books and Resources
Class
format
Most classes will begin with
a
short presentation (video, outside speakers, a lecture) that are meant
to spark fruitful discussion in the breakout sessions to follow.
MEETING
1:
|
Welcome
and introduction
Read and discuss: narrative
#1; Assignment: Read narrative
#2 |
MEETING
2:
|
LECTURE:
Aspects of Identity
Discuss lecture and
narrative #2; Assignment: Write
personal
narrative and read narrative
#3 |
MEETING
3:
|
Personal narratives due . presentations
to breakout group
Discuss narrative #3;
Assignment: Read narrative #4 |
MEETING
4:
|
VIDEO: F.A.T.
City
Discuss video and narrative #4; Assignment: Read narrative
#5 |
MEETING
5:
|
VIDEO
and DISCUSSION: LGBTQ Youth
Discuss video and narrative #5; Assignment: Prepare novel reaction and
read narrative #6 |
MEETING
6:
|
Novel
reactions due - presentations to breakout
group
Discuss novel
reactions and narrative #6;
Assignment: Read narrative #7 |
MEETING
7:
|
DEMO LESSON:
Linguistic diversity
Discuss lesson and
narrative #7; Assignment:
Prepare
lesson
presentation &read narrative
#8
|
MEETING
8:
|
Lessons due
. presentations to breakout group
Discuss narrative #8
|
|
Course requirements
1) ATTENDANCE.
In order for you to get credit for this course, it is imperative that
you
be present at all meetings (the lecture and the discussion group
sessions). If for some reason you are unable to attend a session,
please let your discussion leader know as soon as you know. You will
need to make arrangements
with your group leader for a make-up assignment. You will be allowed to
make up one absence only.
2) READINGS.
Please keep up with the readings for each class, as your group
discussions are dependent on all group members having read the same
material.
3) PROJECTS
and GRADING
Narrative (25% of your grade)
Write a short narrative account of an
incident
that happened to you in a school setting. You may write from the
perspective
of you as a student, a teacher or a parent. The incident should relate
to some area of diversity and include a problem, full discussion of the
events and a conclusion. You will be asked to turn in your written
narrative
to your discussion leader and expected to share it (orally) with your
group.
Novel reaction presentation (25% of your grade)
You will be required to choose a novel and
make an oral report to your discussion group. Your report should
include
your reaction to the book . it should not be a .book report.. Please
choose
a novel that deals with a cultural group that is unfamiliar to you.
Lesson project and presentation (25% of your grade)
With a partner, present a lesson in which
you deal with some issue of diversity. This might be a lesson that you
have used successfully in the past, or one that you have experienced as
a student. You can present the lesson in any medium you like (a skit,
video, or use your classmates as your "students" and teach the lesson).
Provide a short handout (one-page front-and-back maximum) for your
group
members that describes the lesson so that they might use it with their
own classes in the future.
Class participation (25% of your grade)
One of the most important components of
this
course is your active participation in the class and breakout sessions.
Positive participation involves being respectful to speakers,
presenters
and to other students in the group. Sharing your opinions in an honest
and open way, listening to your classmates' comments and providing
thoughtful
responses and even constructive criticism are all part of positive
class
participation. It is expected that you will share your thoughts on the
readings, provide classmates with feedback on their projects, and come
to class on time.
Internet Links
- LDOnline - an interactive guide to learning
disabilities for parents, teachers and children, the ABC's of learning
disabilities,
an "ask-the-expert" page and other helpful resources
- GLSEN
- The Gay, Lesbian, and
Straight
Education Network, information about how to effect change in your
state,
lists of resources, current issues in the news and student pride
- Teaching
Tolerance - a site
"dedicated
to helping teachers foster equity, respect and understanding in the
classroom
and beyond", many free teacher resources (inlcuding a wondering
bi-annual
magazine) are available
- TESOL - Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages - the site includes links to issues in educating English
Language Learners, publications, and other resources
- NAME -
The National Association for Multicultural Education - includes
position papers, links to online resources and information about
conferences and publications for diversity and equity education
The College will make reasonable
accommodations
for persons with documented disabilities. Students are encouraged to
contact
the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities for
information about registration (166 Thorndike Hall). Services are
available only to students who are registered and submit appropriate
documentation. As your instructor, I am happy to discuss specific needs
with you as well.
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