Educating the Arab American Child: Implications for Teachers.

Abstract

This article presents relevant information about Arab American children as a guide for multicultural teachers. Given the alarming impact of cultural conditioning in American society, the previously invisible Arab Americans and their children have become visible in a negative way. Current cultural conditioning does not allow Arabs to see themselves positively, and it does not allow other Americans to see Arabs as they wish to be seen. Causes and effects of the identity crisis of the Arabic-speaking child are reviewed, and information from studies investigating Arab children's experiences in American schools is used to help teachers foster a more positive learning and teacf,ing environment in culturally diverse classrooms to empower Arab children. Conditions of effective learning must be present to enhance motivation, promote tolerance, reduce prejudice, and multiply learning opportunities for all students. Understanding invisible Arab children is a key element in promoting their self-esteem and the desired educational outcomes. (Contains 39 references.) (SLD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** Educating the Arab American Child: Implications for Teachers By Mahmoud F. Suleiman, Ph. D. Assistant Professor Teacher Education Curriculum and Instruction College of Education Fort Hays State University Hays, KS 67601 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ELUCATION Office ot Educationai Research and improvement EDUCATIONAL Pic SOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERICi eic'his document has been reproduced as received Nom the Person or organization originating it r Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points& crew or opinionS Stated in this Oocu ment do nOt necessarily represent official OE RI position or policy -PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERICI Running head: EDUCATING THE ARAB AMERICAN CHILD ©1996