Developing a Research Question

In the following discussion, a research question has been generated from the literature review of two research articles.

Topic: Incorporating Multicultural Education in Schools

Introduction

The topic of education in relation to racial and ethnic considerations and hence multicultural education has been a topic of debate for more than a century now. The fact that current educational practices and process are not working for the large and faster growing multicultural student body calls for more in depth research in to the issue. Multicultural education has multiple facets and hence a variety of definitions that fit to the context of the research issues and researchers. Gorski and Covert (2000) defined multicultural education as “progressive approach for transforming education that holistically critiques and addresses current shortcomings, failings, and discriminatory practices in education. It is grounded in ideals of social justice, education equity, and a dedication to facilitating educational experiences in which all students reach their full potential as learners and as socially aware and active beings, locally, nationally, and globally.” Zirkel (2008) identified in his literature review that multicultural education is characterized by five core dimensions namely, content integration, knowledge construction, prejudice reduction, equity pedagogy, and empowering school culture.

The purpose of this research is to review the existing research publications to find current practices of multicultural education at schools, how effectively are they serving the purpose, the shortcomings in the multicultural educational practices, and the resulting impact of these shortcomings on students’ achievement.

Variables: Multicultural practices are dependent upon the policies in place regarding multicultural education at school. Hence, the extent of multicultural practices at schools is a  dependent variable depending upon the policies devised for this practice. However, the impact of this practice on students’ achievement is dependent upon practices as well as policies.

Research questions

1. Do any policies (school level, state level etc.) exist regarding incorporation of multicultural education at schools?
2. Do schools incorporate multicultural education as a common practice nowadays?
3. How much effective is multicultural education at schools?
4. What are the shortcomings of multicultural educational practices nowadays?
5. What are the effects of incorporating multicultural education at schools?

References

Gorski, P. C., & Covert, B. (2000). A working definition of multicultural education. Multicultural Pavilion.

Zirkel, S. (2008). The influence of multicultural educational practices on student outcomes and intergroup relations. The Teachers College Record, 110(6), 1147-1181.