Sociology & Philosophy of Edu in Malaysia PDF

# Sociology School and Society ## Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, you should be able to: - Define sociology and educational sociology - Explain the structure and form of society - Discuss sociological concepts and its agents - Explain the relationship between education and social mobil...

# Sociology School and Society ## Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, you should be able to: - Define sociology and educational sociology - Explain the structure and form of society - Discuss sociological concepts and its agents - Explain the relationship between education and social mobility; and - Explain how national integration is achieved through education ## Introduction Sociology is a scientific and systematic study on human beings and their social interactions in the society from various angles. Sociology focuses on social life study in a modern era. Generally, sociology is an in-depth study about social groups, emphasising their identities and explaining various forms of how their behaviours are influenced. ## Definition of Sociology and Educational Sociology Sociology refers to a modern field of knowledge. We can relate sociology with society. ### Sociology - Sociology is a study about the social life of humans, groups and society. Sociology can provide humans with the understanding about how social influences form their lives. - Sociological imagination means realising the relationship between individuals, experiences and societies. - Sociological imagination enables us to understand history and biography as well as the relationship between the two fields in society. - Conceptually, biography is part of history. Sociological imagination identifies the relationship between biography and history, whereby humans are influenced by social factors (history). - It can be said that sociology is a behavioural science. It attempts to elaborate human behaviour in an era or in the past, as we experience ourselves or as we find in artifacts, monuments, laws or books. ### Educational Sociology - Education is a formal and informal transmission process of knowledge and skills. It occurs from one generation to another or within the same generation. - Schooling specifically, is a formal teaching and learning process that occurs in classrooms in schools. - The society today has its own interpretation of education. One may try to acquire the highest education to achieve his/her ambition. - Why does inequality occur in the society? Scholars and researchers, who are involved in educational sociology, have been trying to answer this question. - The importance of educational sociology can be simplified as shown below: - Study how education can be used to help individuals and societies - Study equalities and inequalities in education so that suitable policies will be adopted - Increasing mastery of concepts and skills of educationists to face students with different backgrounds such as difference in gender, ethnicity and social class - Giving a clearer picture to all parties involved in the school organisation and its environment - Helping teachers to understand cultures different from theirs, devoid from prejudice, biases or ethnocentric beliefs. They can see students based on various social backgrounds - Helping teachers not to be aloof in their behaviour and professionalism because educational sociology exposes one to vast knowledge and enable oneself to be tolerant in oneÊs interaction - To master the forms of student interactions in classrooms and subsequently, helps in the teaching and learning process - Studying equality and inequality in education so that suitable policies can be applied particularly in a complex society - Enabling educationists to have the skills to interpret research findings, statistical data and maybe conduct research; and - Educationists involved in educational policy formulation will acquire knowledge on the influence of social factors on education. Knowledge on attitude and behaviour in community will help ensure a smooth implementation of social change to society through schooling. ## Types of Sociology ### Primary Socialisation - Early sociology happens within the family. - Children learn to become social adults. - Children form self-concepts and personalities, and acquire motor skills, extractions and language skills. - Initially, they will conform to roles, values and norms aspired by parents, families and nearby community. ### Secondary Socialisation - Secondary socialisation is a stimulus sociological process into groups outside the family by other sociological agents such as peers, mass media, and schools. - Peers can influence an individual based on certain aspects such as age, gender, social class and race. - Secondary socialisation can take place in many places and circumstances. ### Resocialisation - Resocialisation is a process where one drastically or radically transforms or transfers self-concept and existing life to a new and different. - Resocialisation can also be caused by changes that are required by the society. ## Social Structure and Society ### Social Structure - Generally, there are five basic social structures in the society, which simultaneously form a huge circle determining socialisation. - Family. - Religion. - Education. - Economy. - Government ### Society and School - Society in general is a group of humans who live in an area. Every member of the society has a relationship system with one other. - A society has a lot of communities. The school itself is a community that is part of a larger community. - Every community around the school has its own characteristics. There are similarities and differences such as traditional values, ethnicities, social classes, and types of occupation, household, location, beliefs and political differences. ### Parent-Teacher Association - Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is formed in every school. It is represented by teachers, parents and guardians whose children are schooling in the school. - PTA annual general meeting is held once a year to select its committee members. - The PTA should have a team of committee members who are willing and interested to ensure the success of school programmes. ## Process and Socialisation Agents ### Family Influence - Parents should plan and implement carefully when taking steps to instil and form relationships within the family. - Parents also carry out basic functions to strengthen the family such as providing necessities in hereditary production, allowing adult family members to get married, socialisation and inculcating social culture and values. ### School’s Role - The school is an institution that allows formal socialisation. It has an administrative body to monitor learning process. - The leaders and school environment influence the childrenÊs personality development process. - In school, teachers are the closest people to students. Teachers are responsible when something happens in class when they are teaching. - Students will become resentful, angry and disrespectful if their teachers are unfair, biased, act whichever way they want and are emotional with the students. ### Peer - A peer is someone who becomes an important agent to each student. In school, it is normal for students to belong to individual groups or organisations. - A student cultural pattern group is divided into four (Clark, 1969), namely, entertainment sub-cultures, academic sub-cultures, groups comprising delinquents and groups consisting those who are not aligned to anybody: - Entertainment sub-culture. - Academic sub-culture. - Delinquents. - Groups who are not aligned to anybody. - Children can be influenced by their peers in three main ways (Glidewell, 1966): - As they want to be part of a group, they are willing to adapt and follow the style and behaviour of the group members. - Leadership and capability of their peers to influence them. - They want to prove their capabilities so that they will be recognised and appreciated by their peers. ### Mass Media - Mass media is an agent to link and disseminate important information. - Television programmes allow students to have a clear view while audio programmes can help enhance their memory and attract their interest on certain subjects. - Singing and musical programmes have proven to be effective and radio does play an important role in this area because students have responded positively to these entertainment programmes. - Mass media such as television, movie, video, CD, DVD, magazine and so on can influence the way children think, behave as well as their attitudes and skills. ## Involvement and Social Mobility - Social mobility is the change of position in an organisationÊs system of hierarchy; increase or decrease in income or wealth or both; rise or fall in power; and increase or decline in prestige. - The rate of social mobility can be measured either in terms of oneÊs age or as more generally done, between father and sonÊs generation. - The various national type schools in Malaysia will continue to form various types of social mobility. - Division in the educational system results in students continuing with the strong spirit of their respective races. ### Types of Social Mobility - Social mobility is divided into two categories, which are horizontal mobility and vertical mobility. - Horizontal mobility is oneÊs movement from one social position to another within the same status. - Vertical mobility emphasises oneÊs movement from one social position to another. ## Education and National Integration ### Ethnic Concept and Integration - Ethnic or „ethnos‰ in Greek means a group of humans or race. - There are varying views regarding the integration concept by Sufian Hussein, „integration means uniting ethnic or groups that are originally separated to another individual form.‰ Khalid Yaakob opines that integration is a process to unite through socially and culturally different social groups to a unit that has a general and individual identity. ### Inculcating Ethnic Integration in School - The implementation of the National Education Policy in Malaysia is aimed at creating unity among ethnics in school. - Even though the National Education Policy has not been able to achieve the highest level of ethnic integration, some of its strategic policies and actions have been implemented successfully. ### School as Instrument of Unity - Some people are of the opinion that the existing schooling system that separates students according to language medium and ethnic group differences may not play an effective role in instilling unity and understanding among students. - A single schooling system should be introduced, using Bahasa Malaysia as the language medium to create a new generation with a Malaysian identity. - Schools should also expose students to universal values such as feelings of love, respect, helpfulness, politeness, peace loving, against cruelty and war, honesty and responsibility. ### Vision School Implementation - The Vision School implementation is one of the methods to instil racial integration in Malaysia. Vision Schools are primary schools with the concept of learning together in the same area irrespective of race and religion. ### Implementation of a Single Stream School - A single stream school is an alternative to instil ethnic integration. - Through a single stream system, the issue of abolishment of a particular ethnic mother tongue will not arise. ## Summary - Sociology is a research discipline about interaction that occurs among social groups, external relationship among individuals, and also one that explains how a group can affect the behaviour of someone or the group. - Researchers continue to study and emphasise on relationship and behaviour among humans and groups or group of people. Hence, the field of sociology should be given emphasis and extended to the Malaysian society, particularly at the higher learning institutions. - Educational sociology studies how education that has been implemented can affect students to become successful or otherwise. - The word philosophy originates from the Greek word, „philosophia‰ which means wanting to know in-depth or deep liking or loving. - Philosophy helps humans think critically and logically with the basic thinking for all human activities, particularly in the fields of science, arts, religion and education. - Western philosophy is divided into four doctrines namely: idealism, realism, pragmatism and existentialism. - In Islam, the philosophy of education can be summarised as the continuous effort of developing oneself towards living a balanced way of life, and gaining knowledge of God. - Educational philosophy encompasses a belief system, general principle and stance that discuss various matters concerning education and learning that should be carried out in the school or in classrooms. ## Key Terms - Bias - Identity - Imagination - Phenomenon - Programme - Aqliah - Axiology - Logic - Metaphysics - Philosophy - Pragmatism - Realism - TaÊdib - Tadris - Irsyad # Philosophy and Educational Philosophy ## Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, you should be able to: - Define philosophy and education philosophy - Identify characteristics and branches in philosophy - Explain western and eastern thinking philosophical principles - Analyse the educational concepts in education philosophy; and - Explain the National Education Philosophy policy ## Introduction - The field of philosophy is not only regarded as theoretical in nature, but it is also something that is abstract and difficult to practise. - Educational activities and philosophy are closely related. Education can be considered as the dynamic part of philosophy. Education is an aspect of philosophical beliefs, a practical way to achieve and state life goals. Education depends on philosophy as the basis of its theory and philosophy depends on education to plan practical and active practices. - Educational philosophy is a practical matter and closely related to educational matters. It encompasses a belief system, general principle and stance that discuss various matters concerning education and learning that should be carried out in school or in classrooms. ## Definition of Philosophy and Education Philosophy - The word philosophy originates from the Greek word, „philosophia‰ which means wanting to know in-depth or deep liking or loving. - Renowned classic philosophical scholars such as Heracleitos, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and others have their own definition and explanation about philosophy. - Conceptually, philosophy is defined as an effort to find truth or confidence relating to a certain matter by using mental strength and brains. Apart from that, philosophy can also be defined as consideration on certain matters based on the truth to provide an explanation about something. ## Characteristics of Philosophy - Humans have a special characteristic known as conscience or self-awareness or self-reflection, a thinking life system, intelligence and aware of moral values. - Philosophy is considered as helping humans to explain things that are fuzzy in experience and research. Philosophy helps humans think critically and logically with the basic thinking for all human activities, particularly in the fields of science, arts, religion and education. ## Branches of Philosophy - Metaphysics- studies „The Nature of Reality‰ or absolute situations. - Epistemology- is also known as knowledge theory and is based on truth. - Axiology- focuses on the question of value and value system. - Logic- is a deductive reasoning theory or a branch of philosophy that is related to reasoning the truth. Logic is also the consideration on matters that form real reasoning, distinguish inaccurate or irrational reasoning, and subsequently give the real reasons to certain occurrences by stating the explanations that can be accepted by all and not biased to all parties. ## Western Philosophy Doctrine - Generally, the western philosophy is divided into four doctrines which are: - Idealism. - Realism. - Pragmatism. - Existentialism. ### Idealism - The idealism sect is a general philosophical doctrine that exists initially only in the west. Idealism sect focuses on mentality, emotionality and spirituality. - A branch of metaphysics according to the idealism doctrine believes in reality that is transformed into mentality and spirituality. ### Realism - The realism philosophy is also known as materialism, and its philosopher is Aristotle. - In terms of epistemology, this doctrine feels that real knowledge is something that is suitable with the matter itself rather than any theory, understanding or memory that is meaningless. ### Pragmatism - The pragmatism philosophy is also known as empiricism, functionalism and experientialism. ### Existentialism - Existentialism emerged after World War Two in Europe, founded by Soren Kierkegaad and subsequently by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche in the 19th Century. - In terms of metaphysics, this doctrine believes that reality is the existence of individuals. - In education, since every individual has specific needs and interests to work on upgrading their own self-achievement, there are no fixed, structured or systematic curriculum. ## Eastern Philosophy Doctrine - The meaning of Islamic education in terminologies TaÊdib, Irsyad and Tadris is a continuous effort the potential development of individual Muslims as slaves of Allah and his messengers on earth in totality and a unified manner to create individuals who are balanced in terms of spiritual, Aqliah (mental), emotional, faith and physical based on the teachings of Islam. ### Educational Concept - In Islam, education is compulsory for everyone. - The educational process should be life long as explained in Al-Quran and Hadith. ### Educational Functions - One of the educational functions in Islam is preparing the future generation to play a positive role to oneself, other humans, environment and Allah. ### Educational Source - In Islamic education, there are six main sources: the Al-Quran, Sunnah of the Prophet (sayings and practices of the prophet S.A.W.), statements of the ProphetÊs friends, usefulness for societyÊs benefits, values and norms in the society. - The Al-Quran is the divine book of Allah sent to mankind through Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. The Al-Quran consists of miracles and guides encompassing all aspects in the life of humankind. ### Educational Content - Education should focus on humans as its main object. - The goal of Islamic education is to equip every individual with Islamic knowledge so that he can live as someone who is spiritual, with high morals and knowledge and perform piety duty. ## National Educational Philosophy - Apart from political stability, economy, culture and societal value system, a nationÊs development depends on its education system. - Policies formulated in certain educational systems are based on the educational philosophy. Philosophy becomes the thrust of the educational system because it consists of goals to be achieved; educational implementation methods to be adopted; characteristics to be formed; and coverage of the educational system. ### Formation of the CountryÊs Educational Philosophy - Educational philosophy has been a continuous process in line with the development process. - The Education Ministry was then guided by the Razak Statement 1956 and Rahman Talib Statement 1960, in an effort to provide education to the people of Malaya. - The Education Act 1961 was formulated based on the Razak Statement and Rahman Talib Report 1960. - The National Educational Philosophy should become the thrust towards developing people with a high quality of self-esteem. ### The CountryÊs Education and Educational Philosophy - Educational philosophy plays a vital role in the education system in our country. The policy, direction and guide are all efforts that are made to improve the quality of the countryÊs education. - A clear implication of the educational philosophy in the country to the national education system is the formulation of the national curriculum, KBSR and KBSM. - The implication of the countryÊs Educational Philosophy and the national Educational Philosophy to academicians, particularly teachers in schools is obvious. Teachers should be more committed in educating students as the new generation who will lead the country in the future. ### Excellent Education Policy - Education is a mechanism towards the development and unity of a country. - There are strengths in the Education Act 1996 towards the direction of achieving Vision 2020 as well as for the well being of the people, race and country. - Physical and mental development should be balanced with spiritual development. Therefore, spiritual, moral and disciplined education is also a strategy that should be included to achieve the educational policy goal towards Vision 2020. ## Summary - The word philosophy originates from the Greek word, „philosophia‰ which means wanting to know in-depth or deep liking or loving. - Philosophy helps humans think critically and logically with the basic thinking for all human activities, particularly in the fields of science, arts, religion and education. - Western philosophy is divided into four doctrines namely: idealism, realism, pragmatism and existentialism. - In Islam, the philosophy of education can be summarised as the continuous effort of developing oneself towards living a balanced way of life, and gaining knowledge of God. - Educational philosophy encompasses a belief system, general principle and stance that discuss various matters concerning education and learning that should be carried out in the school or in classrooms. ## Key Terms - Aqliah - Axiology - Logic - Metaphysics - Philosophy - Pragmatism - Realism - TaÊdib - Tadris - Irsyad # Educational Development in Malaysia ## Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, you should be able to: - Explain the history of educational developments pre and post British colonial era - Discuss the National Education reports - Discuss teachersÊ educational training - Explain educational concepts; KBSR/KBSM and Smart School; and - Explain the Education Act 1996 ## Introduction - Prior to the arrival of the colonial powers, education in Malaya was informal in nature and did not emphasise on studentsÊ cognitive development. - The second stage of the educational development in Malaya occurred during the British colonial era from 1824 to 1957. ## Educational Development During the British Colonial Era - British education was introduced in Malaya when the Penang Free School was established in 1816. - Most English schools were built at urban areas with the help of the British Government. The school curriculum was modelled after the Grammar School of Great Britain with the goal of producing low-level administrative officers to fulfil the requirements of the British metropolitan power. ### Vernacularism Educational System - The countryÊs education policies and practices during the British era were very different. - Opportunities for schooling were also imbalanced because the British Government did not have a clear educational policy. - The impact from different school socialisation during the British colonisation era has resulted in a complex situation in our national integration and uniformity. ### Malay Education - Early Malay education focused on the teaching of Al-Quran and basic knowledge of reading, writing and counting. - Educational facilities for the rural community were limited in terms of quality of education or involvement opportunities that were provided. ### Chinese Education - An open policy and non-intervention in social affairs of migrant races resulted in the existence of Chinese and Tamil schools. - In mid 1920s, the strong influence of these Chinese schools made the British Government realise the need to introduce a law to prevent such schools from being isolated and to gain control over the school activities. ### Tamil Education - Tamil schools were initially built at rubber plantations where the majority of the Indian community was located. - The Indian community managed these schools, and the Government or employers of rubber plantations did not extend any contribution either in terms of physically, financially or pedagogically. ## Educational Reports ### The Barnes Report of 1950 - The Barnes Report proposed the establishment of a national school system and bilingualism, either English or Malay language, as the main medium of instruction. Malay, Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools will be replaced gradually by a national school introducing the national stream. - The Barnes committee made various proposals to formulate a national education system. ### The 1951 Fenn-Wu Report - The Fenn-Wu Committee studied social aspects of Chinese vernacular schooling and submitted a report known as the Fenn-Wu Report. - The committee recommended: - Usage of three languages, namely Malay, English and Chinese, while English remained as the medium of instruction. - Support the establishment of the national educational system, but Chinese schools should be retained with its curriculum content and suited to the environment of the local community. ### The 1952 Education Ordinance - The 1952 Education Ordinance was a single effort by the British towards having an educational system with national characteristics. - The 1952 Education Ordinance could not be implemented because the Government faced financial problems following an economic crisis. ### The 1956 Razak Report - At the end of 1955, the Federal Peninsula Malaya had the first elected government. The government recognised the importance of creating and protecting the social and political stability to ensure economic growth and harmony of the multi-ethnic society in the country. ## Teachers Educational Development ### Teachers’ Training - Initially, teachers received training by undergoing courses in Brinsford Lodge TeachersÊ College (closed in 1964). ### Teachers’ Educational Model - There were two types of teachersÊ education: - Pre-Service TeachersÊ Education - In-Service TeachersÊ Education. ## The National Education Concepts ### New Curriculum for Primary School (KBSR) - On December 8, 1980, the Education Minister made an official announcement regarding the New Curriculum for Primary School (KBSR). - The New Curriculum for Primary School was aimed at enabling students to: - Extensively master Malay language which is suitable with its position as the national and official language of the country; - Master basic language skills; speaking, reading and writing in the medium of instruction in primary schools; - Master basic counting skills well; - Master learning skills based on basic skills; - Have the ability to read, write and speak English in line with its position as the countryÊs second language; - Develop good conduct and attitude based on humanitarian and spiritual values accepted and appreciated by the society based on the Rukun Negara, as well as making those values the basis of life practices; - Have knowledge, understanding, interest as well as awareness for the people and the environment; - Mix around, respect rights and capabilities of others as well as have the spirit of cooperation and tolerance; - Develop talent, leadership ability and self-confidence to improve knowledge as well as upgrade the ability to apply any basic skills that have been acquired; and - Have interest, understand, enjoy and be involved in arts and recreational activities within the scope of the national culture. ### Integrated Curriculum for Secondary School (KBSM) - On September 11, 1986, the Education Minister made an announcement on the Integrated Curriculum for Secondary School (KBSM) programme. - The goals of KBSM Programme are: - Balance and integration of intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual elements - Suitable curriculum for all students - Curriculum which equipped students with skills for lifelong education - Curriculum which emphasised core subjects and compulsory for all, apart from elective subjects to fulfil interest and inclination. - In KBSM, emphasis continued to be given to the role of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and the countryÊs official language. - The implementation of KBSM programme started in 1982 and resulted in a comprehensive curriculum change at primary school level. ### Smart School - The Smart School concept was one of the main applications in the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), which was being developed. - Construction of these prestigious schools is also expected to be able to provide excellent education and training for the present and future generations in all aspects, to form a society with scientific and innovative thinking by taking advantage of the latest technology as well as contributing towards science and technology civilisation in the future. - The Smart School Pilot Project in 1990 involved 90 schools nationwide. ### The 1996 Education Act - National education is an education framework in the country as stipulated in the 1996 Education Act of Malaysia. - The 1996 Education Act played a role as framework to the national education system, consisting of important matters that were used to define and determine policy direction that would be complied by education administrators and leaders. - Preschool education. - Primary education. - Secondary education. - Post-secondary education. - Tertiary education except for expatriate schools (international schools). - The National Education Philosophy became the platform of the National Education Policy that was formulated after taking into consideration views and aspirations of all parties. ## Summary - Prior to the arrival of the colonial powers, education in Malaya was informal in nature and did not emphasise on the studentsÊ cognitive development. - The National Education Reports greatly influenced and shaped the development of education in Malaysia. - Teachers are the ones who implement all curriculum goals and policies, which are outlined by the Government. Therefore, teachersÊ education is crucial to determine the education of the future generation. - The 1996 Education Act played a role as framework to the national education system, consisting of important matters that were used to define and determine policy direction that would be complied by education administrators and leaders. - Cognitive - Infrastructure - Input - Ordinance - Recommendation ## Key Terms - Cognitive - Infrastructure - Input - Ordinance - Recommendation # Multi-cultural Education Methods and Models ## Learning Outcomes <start_of_image> - Elaborate on at least four multi-cultural education dimensions that were introduced by Banks (1994); - Explain two importance of each of BanksÊ multi-cultural education dimension models; - Compare BanksÊ models with three multi-cultural education programmes in terms of methods, suitability and importance; - State three activities in three multi-cultural education programmes; and - State the process of multi-cultural education programme comprehensively. ## Introduction - Dynamic and continuous educational developments results in changes towards curricula as well as methods in teaching and learning in classrooms. - Developed nations in particular have practiced multi-cultural education system due to the trickling effect of foreign culture and elements into their education system. ## Multi-cultural Educational Dimension - The design approach of multi-cultural education by Banks (1994) was formulated based on a multi-cultural educational concept which emphasised on equal education acquisition in schools, colleges or universities, irrespective of race, ethnic, gender, types of students and minority groups. - As a result of this development, the implementation of multi-cultural education became complex and since two decades ago research was carried out on these multi-dimensional models. - Content Integration - Reduction of Prejudice - Equal Pedagogy - Knowledge Construction - Empowering School Culture and Social Structure. ### Content Integration - The teachersÊ teaching emphasises on illustrations and lesson content that are based on the studentsÊ various cultures. ### Reduction of Prejudice - The formulation of curriculum focuses on characteristics and attitudes of multi cultural students to help understand and form positive racial and ethnic attitudes among students. ### Equal Pedagogy - This is a way or method of certain teachers who teach using various cultures that exist in classrooms to motivate academic achievements among students. ### Knowledge Construction - Knowledge is built and formulated because it is social in nature, whereby it is dynamic and interactive from time to time. ### Empowering School Culture and Social Structure - This involves school organisation and culture restructuring so that children from various cultures, ethnics, social classes and races will experience individual equality and capacity. ## Content-oriented Programme - Generally, a content-oriented programme emphasises on any teaching and learning activities based on subject content and suited to various cultures in certain classrooms. - Educational activities or programmes that have been planned should take into consideration the main subject content that is linked to various cultures. - Quality assurance towards education that practices multi-cultural education as achievements and results from this education will produce academic achievements and effectiveness in education. - Multi-cultural curriculum goal - Curriculum encompassing various ethnic groups - Teaching aids encompassing all ethnic groups ## Student-oriented Programme - This specifically involves studentsÊ interests. All educational programmes are focused on students and all teaching and learning activities take into consideration studentsÊ needs. - Multi-ethnic Group Learning Style - Culture and Language Usage - Special Programme for Minority Group ## Social-oriented Programme - This programme is directed towards achieving social goals of children. - Interaction Opportunity among Races - Cooperative Learning - Positive Social Contributions to Society ## Summary - You have learnt about multi-cultural education in terms of its programmes and dimensions. - In this topic, you have been exposed to the multi-cultural educational dimension model. - Everything is associated with one another and practiced according to the needs and suitability of subjects, and teaching and learning approaches in classrooms. ## Key Terms - Discrimination - Geocentric - Groups/cluster - Holistic - Majority - Multi-centric - Prejudice # Importance of Multi-cultural Education ## Learning Outcomes - Elaborate three multi-racial educational goals - Explain the importance of multi-racial educational goals - Draw a mind map on multi-cultural educational goals, along with illustrations - List the disadvantages of multi-cultural education based on illustrations in Malaysia - State three activities that can curb disadvantages of multi-cultural education; and - Explain the multi-cultural education programme formation process based on Malaysian cases ## Introduction - In the previous topic, you learnt about the countryÊs educational history and factors influencing it, and you were exposed to several concepts of multi-cultural education based on Western perspective. - Developed nations in particular have practiced multi-cultural education system due to the trickling effect of foreign culture and elements into their education system. ## Goals of Multi-racial Education - Generally, multi-cultural education reduces dissatisfaction as well as discrimination among races. - The main goals of multi-cultural education include changing the learning environment to motivate academic achievement and support the learning styles of different students by strengthening values from cultural diversity, equalities, social justice and democracy. - The goals of multi-cultural education are : - Forming culture and literacy. - Individual development, attitudes and values. - Multi-cultural social competency. - Helping teaching and learning literacy skills of students from various ethnic backgrounds. ### Forming culture and literacy - This is to equip students with information on certain races in terms of their history and importance in the countryÊs development. - Generally, students will be exposed to historical background of races, cultural attributes, contributions, certain and unique occasions, as well as socio-economic condition of races. ### Individual development, attitudes and values - This will help individuals in terms of personal understanding, positive selfconcept and being proud of their identity. - Emphasising this aspect is part of the multi-cultural educational objectives in contributing towards studentsÊ individual developments, self dignity and eventually overall studentsÊ intellectual, academic and social achievements. ### Multi-cultural social competency - Students will learn how to interact with different races, cultures, languages and generation. - This means that teachers must have skills in teaching cross-culture communication, interpersonal relationship, context analysis, understanding the views of others and knowing their influence of culture on studentsÊ values, attitudes, beliefs, reference, expectations and behaviour. ### Helping teaching and learning literacy skills of students from various ethnic backgrounds - Multi-cultural education provides basic skills based on ethnic. - The teachers will prepare teaching aid based on their studentsÊ background (culture and social) to be applied in the lesson content. ## Disadvantages of Multi-cultural Education - Now, let us look at the disadvantages of multi-cultural education. - Focus on multi-cultural and race results in gap among races. - Unexpected causes. - Dissatisfaction among students. ### Focus on multi-cultural and race results in gap among races - Education that only focuses on one race will create racism and reluctance to cooperate among races. - Examples are the Rodney King and O.J Simpson cases below: - Rodney King. - O.J Simpson. ### Unexpected causes - Teaching plans and approaches based on existing curriculum does not assure that multi-racial studentsÊ needs will be met. ### Dissatisfaction among students - Various pressures according to certain groups cause dissatisfaction among students. ## Summary - Multi-cultural education reduces dissatisfaction as well as the possibility of discrimination syndrome among races. - The main goals of multi-cultural education include changing the learning environment to motivate academic achievement and support the learning styles of different students by strengthening values from cultural diversity, equalities, social justice and democracy. - The advantages of multi-cultural education are : - It creates agreements to respect existing multi-cultures - Instils culture of pluralism in classrooms - Overcomes elements of stereotype, prejudice and racism in the society. - The disadvantages of multi-cultural education are: - It can create a gap among races - Other unexpected causes - Dissatisfaction among students ## Key Terms - Competent - Comprehensive - Literacy - Platform - Prejudice - Stereotype # Multi-cultural Influence ## Learning Outcomes - Elaborate social and economic roles in influencing the Malaysian multi-racial societyÊs way of life - Explain two important environmental factors in influencing Malaysian societyÊs way of life - Identify the roles of administrators, teachers, students and parents on Malaysian societyÊs traditions - List three ways to instil noble universal values in Malaysian education - State three activities that can maintain Malaysian tradition and heritage; and - State how multi-cultural education can maintain Malaysian cultural heritage. - The most obvious influence in the Malaysian society in terms of social aspect is the wearing of costumes without any prejudice, attending cultural festivities, learning languages together and accepting the education system in the country. - The Government striving to strengthen and maintain said society in the form of organising cultural festivities, cultural education in schools, colleges and universities as well as promoting cultural diversity as a national identity to be proud of. ## Multi-cultural Influence on Malaysian Society’s Way of Life - It is undeniable that cultural influence can affect Malaysian societyÊs way of life. - Every society has its own culture and uniqueness. - Culture⁄encompasses all knowledge, beliefs, arts, murals, legislations, customs, habits, symbols, intellectuality, norms, attitudes, values, ideas, and relationship between events and behaviours. - The most obvious influence in the Malaysian society in terms of social aspect is the wearing of costumes without any prejudice, attending cultural festivities, learning languages together and accepting the education system in the country. ### Social - The existing Malaysian society has great understanding on the existence of various cultures since independence. - The importance of various cultures in the Malaysian society results in the Government striving to strengthen and maintain said society in the form of organising cultural festivities, cultural education in schools, colleges and universities as well as promoting cultural diversity as a national identity to be proud of. ### Economy - In terms of economy, we find that everyone can venture into various economic activities in the country, irrespective of race, ethnic and religion. - The New Economic Policy (1970) was a programme that helped restructure economic activities and the social structure of the Malaysian society after the occurrence of inequalities in wealth distribution in the country following the colonisation rule policy. ### Environment - A healthy and harmonious