Critical Project #1

An interesting topic that was within the readings this week was the term pluralist education. This term is something that was discussed in the article: Melting Pot or Mosaic? It focuses on the new view of incorporating multicultural education in the classroom. The original view was termed as being a single American culture but has now changed into cultural pluralism. The article continues into defining what cultural pluralism as well as assimilationism. Cultural Pluralism is known as ethic groups will remain intact and that their idiosyncratic way of knowing and acting will be respected and continued. Assimilationism, on the other hand, accepts the importance of understanding multiple beliefs, but has its primary goal the amalgamation of all groups into the American mainstream (Janzen, 1994). The article continues to talk about how these two terms are within contention. The reason for contention is whether or not students and families from other countries should be fully allowed to continue their traditions and cultures or incorporating them fully into the society within the United States. This contention leads to educators having difficulty in teaching lessons as well as planning activities within the classroom. How can an educator attempt to successful incorporate both views in the classroom? Also, how does an educator have a strong viewpoint over cultural pluralism or assimilationism but not allow it to hinder their classroom?