Creating mutual respect and understanding in Education for a cosmopolitan society

The education policies and curriculum needs to suit the changes which occur in the 21^st century especially the large increase of diversity. Australia is regarded as one of the most multicultural countries in the world and as noted by Reid and Sriprakash there has been an increase in the diversity among student teachers who represent the changing communities in western Sydney. In saying this it is clear that diversity is increasing and there are larger cultural and ethnic differences between children and teachers in education now than in the past. In order to create a cosmopolitan society as the article expresses, education policies need to focus on human rights rather than group rights (Reid, C & Sriprakash, A , 2012, p. 19). This means that multicultural schools with diverse backgrounds should focus on educating the students of acceptance and mutual respect for others regardless of their social status, their race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Teachers need to cater to children of all ethnicities and backgrounds and the teacher training programs need to recognize the increasing diversity among teachers and should train them to identify similarities and things they have in order to create a understanding and cosmopolitan society.

 The Prince Albert daily herald local news on the 30^th of September issued Matt Gardeners headline “Tapestrama promotes diversity and understanding” which explores the idea of different cultures working and coming together to unite and understand as a community. Gardner comments on the beauty of cultures intercepting to gain an educative experience and become accepting of each other’s values and beliefs, something which has often distanced people from another due to either fear of integration and separation from their own culture. “Even my class, for example last session I had a Chinese women helping a Pakistani women learn how to drive.. the culture might be different but the experience is the same”(paherald, September 2012), this quote illustrates that although people can come from different backgrounds there are commonalities which can exist between them and similar life experiences that can unite them such as sharing or enjoying the same food, family life, residence or religion . 

In turn, a diverse school can create a positive environment if people can learn to live and understand one another which are vital attributes in this increasing multicultural society we live in. Education is the starting point to this success and if students can learn from their teachers how to communicate and identify common interests or beliefs with people who might appear different, it will build social and cultural harmony and form a cosmopolitan environment in which instead of diversity dividing people it will bring them together through what they share in interest and what they can learn from another.  .

If people can let go of their fear towards change and can learn to become more accepting of new things, for example if students learn to accept change in high school, through different subjects each year with different peers and learning to accept the positive changes they can bring to their lives then it will help create a hybrid society. In saying this, it will benefit not only the students in their future prospects but in all domains of life.

•  Reid, C & Sriprakash, A. The possibility of cosmopolitan learning: Reflecting on the future directions for diversity teacher education in Australia. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 40 (1), 15-29, 2012.
• M Gardner, Prince Albert Daily Herald (paherald) Local News, “Tapestrama promotes diversity and understanding”. September 30^th, 2012 : http://www.paherald.sk.ca/Local/News/2012-09-30/article-3086829/Tapestrama-promotes-diversity-and-understanding/1