Students` perception of multicultural education : a case study at Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri (STAIN) Pontianak West Borneo Indonesia

Abstract

This study analyzes the students’ perception of Multicultural Education (ethnology) in Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri (STAIN) Pontianak. It also examines students’ perception of multicultural education with respect to prejudice and helps them to enhance da'wah Islamiyah in a pluralist society. The study uses a modified questionnaire from an established questionnaire developed by prominent researchers in the field of study. The questionnaire was administered to 40 students in STAIN. A 4-point Likert scale was used to measure the students’ perceptions. The descriptive statistics was employed to describe the student’s perceptions. The study also employed an interview and non-participant observation to investigate the students’ perceptions of the Ethnology subject in reducing prejudice and helping them to enhance da'wah Islamiyah in a pluralist society. The study found that most of the students agree that multicultural education is important for them in understanding the diversity of culture and ethnicity. From the interview and observation, the study also found that students have a positive attitude towards the role of multicultural education with respect to prejudice, which helps them enhance da'wah Islamiyah in a pluralist society. In general, the study emphasizes the importance of the role of Multicultural education in a pluralist society.