WEEK 5

Multicultural & Global Literacy

What is Multicultural Literacy?
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 21 st 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 of 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:
o  Respect for humans no matter their race, gender, religion or political perspectives.
o  Respect for diversity and various perspectives.
o  Promoting sustainable patterns of living, consumption, and production.
o  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)
WEEK 6