Deliberation+Model

Watsunya Ferreira

The Deliberation Model

Description

The Deliberation model is when culture needs to be considered within the discussion of curriculum development. In multicultural societies, at some point the issue arises where values and beliefs are in conflict with others. Therefore, discussion, feedback, and compromise are necessary. This model is divided into six phases:


 * 1) Public sharing – discussing what the issue or problem is
 * 2) Highlighting agreements and disagreements – List what is in agreement (similarities) and disagreements (differences) between groups
 * 3) Explaining positions – Group make their position clear and help clarify anything misunderstood or unknown by other groups.
 * 4) Noting changes in positions – With additional information from discussion, groups note any change of their views towards the problem or possible solution
 * 5) Negotiating points of agreement – Group begin to focus on solutions suitable for all involved including discussing any compromises
 * 6) Adopting the decision – Consensus is formed for the decision or to continue discussion at a later time

This is not to say this model always leads to every step in the first or numerous tries. Time and patience are needed to adequately include and consider all parties involved, however, it is dependent on the needs of the school ordistrict as to how soon curriculum needs to be established.

Information Resources

Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2009). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Learning.

Strategies and Ideas for Implementation

-Since it occurs in cultural contexts, this model is good when different groups (ethnicity, religion, nationality,etc.) need to come to a shared solution. -Although I didn’t find much more than what was already in the book, multicultural curriculum can be established by activities and resources that support already established curriculum. Thus, you don’t always need to wait for decisions to become concrete. For example, Thanksgiving has the universal theme of ‘being thankful for what one has’ despite that different groups may celebrate it differently or (like in Korea) at different times. -Since trust and communication are important foundations to this model, those within the deliberation process should be able to work with each other on informal basis as well.