Module 5: Cultural Foundations in Bilingual/Multicultural Classrooms

This module focuses on social and cultural perspectives in schools. The culture of the school and of classrooms are explored through classroom discourse studies and curriculum development efforts. Does local cultural knowledge integrated into the curriculum enhance learning? Class, Ethnicity, Race, Gender, Religion, Sex, and with students with Special Needs are also discussed. This module is a major part of the core of this course and requires lots of readings, activities and assignments.

Objectives:
To be familiar with various classroom studies that will help them to create and develop culturally appropriate and effective teaching and learning environments.
To be familiar with current cultural curriculum development and research, and will be able to incorporate students' culture across the curriculum.
To develop lesson plans that integrate language and culture.
To become familiar with the issues and concerns regarding gender, religion, sex, and exceptionalities.

Topics

This module is divided into five topics. To complete this module successfully, please complete the topics in the order shown below:

1. Cultural Foundations
2. On Teaching Culture
3. Study of Language and Culture in School Contexts
4. Exploring Language and Culture across the Curriculum
5. Gender, Religion, Sex and Exceptionality
   

Go on to Module 6: Culture as Communication in the Classroom
or
Go back to Cultural Component of Bilingual and ESL Instruction