Culturally relevant education for a multicultural Singapore

Abstract

With an increasingly diverse Singapore population, there is a need to consider if Singapore teachers are sufficiently equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to cater to the needs of a more diverse student population. A literature review was conducted to examine and learn from the experiences of other countries and education systems. The literature review identified three major approaches to teaching culturally diverse students through culturally relevant education: multicultural education (ME), culturally responsive teaching (CRT), and culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP). This paper provides a summary of each approach, and its implications for teachers, their practice, as well as for teacher education. Finally, the paper will look at the implications for Singapore’s multicultural society.