Multicultural & Global Literacy

What is Multicultural Literacy?Screen Shot 2017-04-11 at 12.03.14 PM

Multicultural Literacy consists of the skills and ability to identify the creators of knowledge and their
interests (Banks, 1996), to uncover the assumptions of knowledge, to view knowledge from diverse
ethnic and cultural perspective, and to use knowledge to guided action that will create a humane and
just world (Boutte, 2008).

Multicultural Literacy then, brings attention to diversity, equity and social justice to foster cultural
awareness by addressing difficult issues like discrimination and oppression towards other ethnicities
(Boutte, 2008). According to Boutte (2008) education for multicultural literacy should help students to
develop the 21st century skills and attitudes that are needed to become active citizens who will work
towards achieving social justice within our communities. Because of the growing racial, language and
ethnic diversity in our country, Multicultural Literacy needs to be transformed in substantial ways to
prepare students to function effectively in the 21st Century (Boutte, 2008).

By making small changes within the classrooms, it can create big changes globally (Boutte, 2008). As
diversity grows, there is a need for the emergence of multicultural education that is more representative
of the students in today’s classrooms. By teaching students to be advocates for multiculturalism, we are
also sending a message of empathy and tolerance in schools as a need to develop deeper understanding
of others and appreciation of different cultures (Banks, 2003). With this being said, in order for students
to develop these attitudes and skills, it requires basic knowledge prior to teaching students how to
question assumptions about cultural knowledge and how to critique and critically think about these
important cultural issues, which is what essentially makes Multicultural Literacy a 21st Century Literacy
(Banks, 2003).

What is Global Literacy?

Global Literacy aims to address issues ofScreen Shot 2017-04-11 at 12.10.49 PM globalization, racism,
diversity and social justice (Guo, 2014). It requires awareness and action, consistent with a broad
understanding of humanity, the planet, and the impact of human decision on both. Global Literacy also
aims to empower students with knowledge and take action to make a positive impact in the world and
their local community (Guo, 2014).
According to the Ontario Ministry of Education (2015) A global citizen should display most or all of the
following characteristics:

 Respect for humans no matter their race, gender, religion or political perspectives.

 Respect for diversity and various perspectives.

 Promoting sustainable patterns of living, consumption, and production.

 Appreciate the natural world and demonstrate respectful towards the rights of all living things.

How are Multicultural and Global Literacy Interconnected?

Every classroom contains students of different race, religion, and cultural groups. Students embrace
diverse behaviors, cultural values, patterns of practice, and communication. Yet they all share one
commonality: their educational opportunity (Guo, 2014).

Teachers should teach their students that other cultures exist and that these deserve to be
acknowledged and respected. Integrating a variety of cultural context into lessons and activities, teaches
students to view the world from many angles, creates a respect for diversity and enables students to
learn exciting information. As classrooms become increasingly more diverse, it is important for educators
to acknowledge an address diversity issues and to integrate multiculturalism information into the
classroom curriculum (Guo, 2014).

Activity/Project 1 - 21st Century Education Blog

Welcome to my 21st Century Literacy Education Blog! The purpose of this blog is to further explain What
is a 21st Century Education? Changing Education Paradigms and teaching students about 21st Century
Competencies is the goal in today's society. I hope that at the end of your journey through this blog you
become interested and eager to implement 21st Century lessons in the classroom, while putting the 21st
Century Literacies into practice.