Dictionary.com defines multiculturalism as "the preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a unified society, as a state or nation." In education, teachers may utilize multiculturalism by assigning a project about a certain ethnic group, or inviting speakers from other cultures to share about their customs. Gregory Jay, an English professor at the University of Wisconsin, says that this is important because "for marginalized groups, an appreciation of their culture can improve students' performances and so reverse the effects of bigotry and discrimination."
Tom Mack, a professor of American literature at University of South Carolina--Aiken, showed merit in acknowledging differences between genders in his 1993 study. He assigned students to collaboratively write a critique on a piece of literature, but they had to pair with someone who was of a different race or gender. His students found that they learned not only to respect the beliefs of someone different from them, but they also strengthened their own self worth. One female student reflected on the project by saying, "I never realized how personally I took my writing until this project. I truly came to appreciate what 'my' words meant to me and how they are an extension of me."
Current events have long played an important role in sharing and debating opposing perspectives in education. Since 1925, the National Forensic League has encouraged high school and middle school students across the country to learn how to effectively listen, debate and resolve important public policy issues. This develops students' critical thinking skills, which serve them in any career path they choose, including management, politics and business.
Because of segregation of students along class lines due to the establishment of private and public schools, many students do not have the chance to interact with others who are from different socioeconomic backgrounds. This limits students' life experiences from all perspectives. Students who are only around those of a higher economic status may not learn how many other people live below the poverty line, and may come to take their own positions for granted. Students who are only surrounded by low income families may not get to experience such advantages as field trips and exposure to art and culture, which could severely limit their career choices. Being in contact with people from all levels of society will teach students many facets of life, and shape their character as they pursue their future.