Whose Immigration Story?: Attending to Hidden Messages of Material in Social Studies

Authors

  • Eleni Oikonomidoy University of Nevada, Reno
  • Gwendolyn Williams University of Nevada, Reno

Keywords:

immigration, micro-analysis of curricular material, multicultural education

Abstract

Sometimes materials used in schools with good intentions can have effects opposite from those stated. Through the microscopic analysis of a parent-student immigration interview assignment on a social studies unit on immigration, this article aims to uncover the hidden story that underlies the questions asked. In so doing, it intends not only to problematize the promotion of a simplistic and outdated narrative but also to use this analysis as a foundation for the development of a counter-narrative of complex and up-to-date attention to immigration. The article concludes with a developing checklist for evaluating existing and new material related to immigration.

Author Biographies

Eleni Oikonomidoy, University of Nevada, Reno

Assistant Professor of Multicultural Education, Department of Educational Specialties, University of Nevada, Reno

Gwendolyn Williams, University of Nevada, Reno

Assistant Professor of TESOL, Department of Educational Specialties, University of Nevada, Reno

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Published

2010-11-02

How to Cite

Oikonomidoy, E., & Williams, G. (2010). Whose Immigration Story?: Attending to Hidden Messages of Material in Social Studies. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 12(2).

Issue

Section

Praxis Articles (Peer-reviewed)