Multicultural perspectives in the curricula of two colleges of education in Israel: ‘The curriculum is a cruel mirror of our society’

Abstract

This study reveals the multicultural perspectives in the curricula of two colleges of education in Israel. It examines the perceptions of teacher educators with regard to: the importance of the teacher's role in educating students for sensitivity and diversity; the needs of students from different cultural backgrounds in colleges of education; the roles of the teacher and the college; and an evaluation of how multiculturalism is dealt with in teacher education in Israel. Faculty members in both colleges perceived multiculturalism as relating to two domains: student population and curriculum. The findings and conclusions confirm the existence and increasing awareness of multiculturalism in the two colleges. However, it is obvious that as yet the concept has not been thoroughly investigated, nor has it penetrated all realms of activity. Clearly, teacher educators know the meaning of multiculturalism and believe that it should play a more significant role in colleges of education. However, they seem to be uncertain as to how to go about it.

Keywords:

• Curriculum
• Multiculturalism
• Multicultural awareness
• Teacher education
• Teacher educators' perceptions