1. Contributions Approach: This is the most superficial level. It involves adding culturally diverse elements to the curriculum as isolated units or special events. Think of celebrating holidays like Cinco de Mayo or Lunar New Year without delving into the deeper cultural significance or historical context. It focuses on superficial aspects rather than deep understanding.
2. Additive Approach: This builds upon the contributions approach by adding content about diverse cultures, but still within the existing framework of the curriculum. For example, studying famous individuals from diverse backgrounds, but without significantly changing the overall structure or focus of the subject matter. It adds information, but doesn't fundamentally alter the curriculum's perspective.
3. Transformation Approach: This level goes beyond simply adding content. It involves transforming the curriculum to challenge the dominant cultural perspective and incorporate diverse viewpoints into the learning process. The curriculum is restructured to reflect multiple perspectives and question dominant narratives. For example, examining historical events from multiple viewpoints rather than solely the perspective of the dominant culture.
4. Social Action Approach: This is the most profound level. It not only transforms the curriculum, but also engages students in social action to address issues of inequality and injustice. Students actively participate in projects aimed at social change, using their knowledge and understanding to make a difference in their communities. It moves beyond awareness and understanding to actively working towards equity.
Beyond these four levels, some models also include:
* Decentering: Moving beyond Eurocentrism and placing diverse cultures at the center of the curriculum, rather than just adding them as supplementary material.
* Critical Pedagogy: Employing pedagogical strategies that challenge power structures and promote critical thinking about social inequalities. This is often woven into the transformation and social action approaches.
* Multicultural Education as a Praxis: Viewing multicultural education as a continuous cycle of reflection, action, and evaluation in order to achieve meaningful social change. This implies a constant process of growth and adaptation rather than a static endpoint.
It's important to note that these levels aren't necessarily sequential; a program might integrate elements from multiple levels. The goal is to move toward more transformative and action-oriented approaches that promote equity and social justice, going beyond mere surface-level inclusion.