Developing Multicultural Educators

by Jana Noel

Thoroughly updated, Noel's concise, practical text offers essential information on identity development as it applies to multicultural education. Discussions are not heavily laden with theory, but when that coverage is warranted, Noel uses clear, jargon-free language and examples of how theory can be applied in the real world. The concepts of identity and culture are introduced through the author's own identity story--an apt way to set the stage for self-exploration, learning new insights, and discovering how teachers can make a positive difference in school and community settings. A section on community "funds of knowledge" explores the theory and practice of connecting with a school's neighborhood community. Other distinctive features an extended section on tracking and an entirely new section and reflective writing on the concept of "subtractive schooling," current statistics and identity issues related to refugee and immigrant status, a discussion of Gardner's eighth intelligence (the naturalist intelligence), and new identity stories illustrating the various stages of ethnic identity. The book's advantageous pedagogical tools--group and individual activities, guided discussion questions throughout the chapters, end-of-the-chapter reflective writings, and case studies--help readers to gain a clear vision of how to be an effective teacher in today's diverse communities.

Genres: Education

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1999

Reviews

[Fred Daly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why are books written for teachers so dreadful to read? She's writing about important things, but she makes it impossible to concentrate on what she's saying. In one paragraph near the end she repeats the phrase "prejudice and racism" four times, and "stereotyping, prejudice, and racism" three times. In one paragraph! Why don't you just come over to my house and drive a nail into my skull? At least that would be quick.

[Suzannah Hoppe-washburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Developing Multicultural Educators by Jana Noel for a Cultural Awareness class for teachers. It is a fairly short book, and very informative. This book was more easily read by first reading the summaries at the end of each chapter, and then following up with the examples given in the chapter itself. The summaries were very succinct and precise, whereas the chapter gave many examples within different cultures that it could make the reading feel tedious, when trying to find the point. This book was informative primarily in the definitions of terms used in when learning the theory of developing multicultural educators. It is not a book used for practice of teaching ESL, but used to teach theory and principles of ESL. My opinion is the audience is for college students, to learn definitions of terms, such as acculturation and identity.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot better than I thought it would be! It was well written and really asks you to reflect on yourself and your identity. It also provides great insight for teachers and helping your students to become aware of other cultures.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

good research based read. not too much new information in hete though.

[Saber Abouelfadle · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is a good book