After reading this
chapter I feel I have a much better understanding of the role of the curriculum
in our educational system here in Canada. The fact that every province and territory
is responsible for their own curriculum creates differences in how curriculum
is mandated in each province/territory. The teacher needs to cover all the
topics in the curriculum for the grade he or she is teaching, but how they
choose to teach this is up to them.
I really enjoyed
the section on multicultural curriculum/education as I believe it extremely relevant
to teachers here in Manitoba and across Canada. In Canada “the implementation
of multiculturalism into education varies considerably.” (149) I was surprised
to read that many schools across all the provinces and territories are offering
instruction in Aboriginal languages. I think this is a fantastic way to promote
unity, inclusion and is an excellent opportunity for students of all
backgrounds. The government is working to evaluate and work towards social
justice and anti-racist practices in education and has “developed documents
that addressed teacher training, curriculum, staff development, and the
creation of linkages between schools and communities” (163) This also included
having marginalized voices be a part of the decision making, which I think is a
step in the right direction. It also emphasizes the importance of “alternative
ways of knowing” where we recognize that there are several other world views
different from the dominant Western scientific manner and this includes Aboriginal
perspectives. Aboriginal ways of knowing are centered on oral history, tradition,
and practical application.
Do you feel you have been prepared to teach to
diversity, incorporate Aboriginal perspectives, and include multicultural curriculum
in your future classroom? How will you accomplish this
No comments:
Post a Comment