Pedagogical Approach to Enhance Self-concept to the Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Classroom

Abstract

The diversity of students in today's classrooms underscores the importance of developing curricula, teaching strategies, and policies to help all students succeed in school. Efforts should be exerted to welcome, understand, and affirm all students as equal. Students ‘cultural and linguistic backgrounds should equally be valid and reflected in every facet of the school environment so as to enhance their self-concept. A major point of debate is whether or not to use the students ‘first language, prior knowledge and culture in the classroom. Will they help the students learn effectively? Will they develop self-concept? The paper stressed the importance of viewing the issue in a new frame of mind; one that is not biased by stereotyped thinking. It argued for a scientific approach to the examination of the issue. An approach that take on board all possible hypotheses and assumptions and tries to search for answers that are based on vital data which, in themselves, are the result of solid facts and not just personal opinions or feelings.