EDEL 2300
January 21, 2003
“At the Essence of Learning: Multicultural Education,” by Geneva Gay discusses the fact that education in the United States should be democratic. For example, it should be, ‘of, by, and for the people” and should “embody the heritages and legacies of the people; to be determined and controlled by the people; and to serve the needs and interests of the people” (Gay 86).
The document is based around three major themes. The first is the right to an education, which, says that everyone should have equal access to all the benefits of education and should be introduced to all aspects of the world we live in. The next theme, conscience and community, focuses on the fact that democracy requires shared values, backgrounds, and visions. For example, if one specific race is treated unfairly, then “all people and all dimensions of society suffer” (Gay 92). The last theme is representation and participation. This section talks about the need for every ethnic and cultural group to be represented in educational programs. For example, most school principals and superintendents and European-American males.
The author of this document, Geneva Gay, assumes that the United States has always been “one of racial, geographic, religious, demographic, and cultural diversity in search of unity” (Gay 95). That could be completely correct, but I do not see how it could be proven unless every American could agree upon it.
In my opinion, I thought the purpose of reading this document was to prepare us as teachers to be able to establish multicultural teaching environments. I have wanted to be a teacher for many years and I never considered the fact that I would have to learn how to teach different races or cultures. This paper definitely opened my eyes to a whole new perspective. I also think that this document should be greatly valued and used by not only teachers, but also every citizen of the United States. Achieving a multicultural nation requires everyone’s assistance, not just teachers. The teachers can unquestionably make a tremendous difference, but can’t bear the entire load alone.
I think this paper is very useful, especially during teacher preparation because teachers are the backbone of our country. If every teacher read this document and took the advice of Geneva Gay, the United States would see an increasing amount of more productive students who are respectful and responsible. As Gay says, “Knowledge about cultural diversity will help students learn how to function better in a pluralistic society…and it is already virtually impossible for any of us to live a day of our lives without being dependent on others” (Gay 90). When she says we are dependent on others she is making reference to the fact that we import many necessities from other countries.
I agree with Gay’s point of view because this country consists of many cultures and no one culture should be deemed as wrong or right. In my opinion, everyone should be rich in cultural knowledge and understand others’ religions and beliefs. Our country is often called the “Melting Pot” because of the many different cultures that make America their home and with all this varying culture, there has to be some sort of compromise.
I think this reading was assigned because this class is called, “Schools, Society, and Diversity,” and reading this document was an excellent means of understanding the need for multicultural educational systems. As future teachers, it is important for us to learn the differences in all cultures and realize that we will someday soon have our own classrooms and the author, Geneva Gay, shines a completely different light on education. Reading this paper made me realize how important it will be for me to focus on other cultures and teach all of my students the same.
I also think reading, “At the Essence of Learning: Multicultural Education,” was a great way to begin the semester. It gives all students an idea of what to expect in the class and also serves as a basis for learning at a deeper level. As the class progresses, we will always be able to think back onto this paper and base our thoughts from it.
I attended school in the small town of Amherst, Texas all my life and was never exposed to many cultures, especially if they did not exist in our community. I did not realize how “sheltered” I had been until I came to Texas Tech University and saw many Asians, Indians, and Arabs. Simply being in the presence of people from another culture entices me to learn more about them and their ethnicity.
When I become a teacher, my students will leave my classroom with extensive cultural knowledge. My classroom will also be run as a democracy, “of, by, and for the people” (Gay 98). I will also share my knowledge from this paper with my students so they will understand the importance of being multicultural.
This reading has dramatically changed my views on the role of a teacher. I have learned that teaching is more than simply standing at the front of the room lecturing. I have a greater respect for teachers now and view their role as being the key to multiculturalism.
Last Updated: April 15, 2004
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