Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book guides to methods and material used by teachers in dealing with language difficulties in the multiracial school. It focuses on language difficulties of Chinese children. In view of the increasing number of Chinese pupils in our schools, this may be found useful. The book summarizes the issues that have been discussed in connection with teaching in multiracial schools, and indicates some of the ways in which education for a multiracial society might be improved. During the past few years there has been considerable publicity given to large percentage of colored immigrant children in schools. Some local authorities have recognized potential benefit of employing overseas teachers in schools which have intake of immigrant pupils. The alternative to educating for integration is educating for "assimilation", which would involve complete acceptance of our values and patterns of living on part of minority ethnic groups.