Cooperative learning and multicultural education

Jehangir, R. R. (2001). Cooperative learning in the multicultural classroom. In D. B. Lundell, & J. L. Higbee (Eds.), Theoretical perspectives for developmental education (pp. 91-99). Minneapolis, MN: Center for Research in Developmental Education and Urban Literacy, General College, University of Minnesota. Retrieved July 4, 2004, from: http://www.gen.umn.edu/research/crdeul/publications.htm
The author describes the role of cooperative learning in creating an inclusive, interactive classroom for fostering both developmental education and multicultural education. Key elements of cooperative learning include: value of learning, shared governance, group accountability, and student-generated construction of knowledge. All these elements permit a more open and even discussion of issues from a variety of perspectives and cultures rather than the learning setting being dominated by the course professor who may represent only one cultural perspective and often that of the dominant culture in society.