Using history to teach about multicultural Malta : a history teachers' resource book

Abstract

Any country, community or agency that embraces democracy must also embrace multiculturalism. Inclusion of all and acceptance of diversity are fundamental to human rights and democratic values. This is not to negate the challenges that exist, and it is here, that schools can make huge contributions in meeting these challenges. Politicians and administrators whole heartedly push multiculturalism in education, but it is not an easy route and teachers' apprehensions cannot be ignored. They are very real, and educators and schools in Malta as well as abroad struggle to face the challenges resulting from social and demographic changes brought about by immigration and multiculturalism. There are a number of sociological, educational and political studies that address the impact of schools on their society where diversity is concerned. Issues of equity and justice are addressed in these studies, as they should, however they often stop short when it comes to answering teachers' very important question 'but what do I do in my classroom?' And it is precisely this 'what and how' that the authors of this history teachers' resource book were interested in. This resource book presents ways how history as a school subject can promote diversity in real classrooms. The topics all come from Malta's National General History Curriculum from year 9, year 10 and year 11 syllabi. The activities can all be easily amalgamated within normal history lessons for these history classes in Secondary school. The pages are purposely unpaginated and they are photocopiable. Please feel free to photocopy as needed and to use in your history lessons. [Excerpt]