Learning content of ‘multiculturalism’ for children in Taiwan’s elementary schools

By reading, reviewing, analyzing and discussing the literature related to ‘multiculturalism’, this article aims to explore the learning content of ‘multiculturalism’ for children in Taiwan’s elementary schools. I analyze the focus of teaching from the perspectives of ethnicity, language, gender, religion and class. In terms of ethnicity, teachers should help children understand, respect and appreciate the cultures of various ethnic groups. In terms of language, teachers should teach children to respect the languages of ethnic groups. In terms of gender, teachers should cultivate children’s sense of gender equality and create a ‘gender-equal’ society to avoid gender discrimination and oppression. In terms of religion, teachers should teach children to respect, appreciate and be tolerant of religious beliefs. In terms of class, teachers must help children understand that members of various social classes should coexist peacefully to prevent class oppression. Additionally, teachers have a crucial role in teaching practice; teachers should increase their awareness of beliefs, values, educational ideals, practical knowledge and external environmental challenges; and teachers should be willing to use new approaches and changes to curricula. Active participation in curriculum formation and teaching practice is essential; otherwise, making the required substantial changes to the curriculum and teaching of ‘multiculturalism’ would be difficult. Based on the aforementioned discussion, children can be taught to recognize, respect and appreciate cultures and enhance their understanding of ‘multiculturalism’.