Term

Summer 8-12-2016

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAEd

Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair

Trish Harvey

Secondary Advisor/Reader One

Jen Munsch

Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two

Jessica Bomstad

Abstract

The research question addressed in this study is, what are the effects of incorporating multiculturalism in a high school civics classroom for increased student interest and engagement? This action research study was conducted in a ninth grade civics classroom over the course of three weeks and in three separate class periods. There were 85 students included in the research. Students were observed, interviewed and participated in a survey. The research compared a unit that had limited multicultural elements to a unit that fit a multicultural framework and curriculum. Findings suggest that relevancy is key to keeping students interest and introducing multiple perspectives helps student engagement. The research also shows how students view their classroom environment and interest in specific civic topics.

Research Methodology

Action Research, Interview, Observation, Survey

Keywords

Community Building, Motivation, Multicultural Education, Social Justice

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Education Commons

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