How the teacher can change challenges into opportunities in the multicultural K-3 classroom: A research synthesis

Abstract: This research synthesis builds upon our experience as future teachers, that when teaching in a multicultural classroom, there are certain aspects to take into consideration. For instance, this includes teaching strategies and methods, planning lessons, organizing classroom seating, communicating and interacting with students and with other teachers as well as with families. The purpose of this study is to examine how the teacher can change challenges into opportunities in the multicultural K-3 classroom when using different interactive and cooperative strategies. That is why we focus on social and cognitive development, subject integration and cooperation. After reviewing a number of sources, we found that it is possible to include cultural diversity into the core curriculum in order to make the students feel more involved and motivated which enable them to develop their learning standard regardless of their social background. Additionally, we describe the importance of how the multicultural education improves students’ cognitive and social skills, increases their lust to learn and promotes intercultural learning. In this research synthesis we take in consideration diversity, the demands of the Swedish curriculum, teacher’s leadership, cooperation between different cultures and the importance of the social interaction to obtain societal development.