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Module 1
The first module asked us to analyze current society and teaching practice in relation to cultural diversity. My reflections were based upon the necessity for American students to raise their level of performance to compete on a global level. Also I observed the lack of preparation for teachers to confront the diversity of our society. -
Module 2
This module focused on the benefit of adapting the curriculum to make it more relevant and beneficial for the students in the classroom. We also examined the benefits and challenges of cultural diversity. I especially liked the video More Than a Month and its examination of the struggle to find a balance between celebrating individuals and culture and finding a cohesive whole. -
Module 3
The most powerful lessons I took from this lesson were that all children discriminate naturally and therefore need to be educated about diversity as soon as possible. Additionally I enjoyed the article White on White – Exploring White Racial Identity, Privilege, and Racism, this article helped me confront my own apprehension to accepting race issues. I personally choose not to see race but I now understand the need to bring my beliefs into sync with where society is at in order to work towards w -
Module 4
This section was powerful for me because I was asked to reflect upon the times which I felt neglected in my education and also the issues which I felt were neglected. I appreciate the accommodations that I was provided as a gifted student and intend to extend the opportunity for individualized education to all my students as much as possible. As far as curriculum I would like to provide my students with a more inclusive scope of history than I was offered. -
Module 5
Multicultural literature is probably the most powerful tool available to expose students to differing experiences. I really enjoyed this module and the books which I read. I chose to do my Independent Learning Project on literature as well. There is so much which books can bring to students and people in general. I want to promote reading to my students as much as possible. -
Module 6
This module focused on our own opinions and growth. I already felt very strongly about cultural diversity but I think this course helped me to examine the issues even more deeply. -
What is culture and what are some major aspects of culture?
Culture encompasses everthing and anything which a person embraces as something which defines their human experience. Nationality, race, and religion have traditionally been major cultural identifiers. Culture is not limited to these however. -
What is multicultural education? What are the goals of multicultural education?
Multicultural education encompasses all experiences and historical relevancies for the students in the class. The goal should be to create a learning experience which makes students aware of thier identity within the whole of humanity. -
How does multicultural education reflect responsive teaching to help meet the academic needs of diverse student populations?
Multicultural education is a response to the diversity of a classroom and society as a whole. It connects with each student as an individual and to their role as a part of the bigger picture. -
How can multicultural education affect broader social issues that impact our society? (e.g. intercultural communication/relations, prejudice, stereotypes, crime & poverty rates, achievement gaps, etc.)
Multicultural education can be a students first introduction to the broader outlook of the world which they are apart of. Knowledge is power and the earlier a child can begin thinking about issues the more they will be able to confront them and make a difference. -
What other significant insight(s) have you gained and how will this insight impact your personal/professional life?
This course has shown me the importance of focusing on where society is with regards to diversity and attacking issues from this point rather than what would be more ideal. Whether I choose to see race or religion doesn't matter as much as the contribution I make to others. -
Songs Lyrics - Imagine by John Lennon
The lyrics are available anywhere and I hope they're well known. I posted them in the discussion area as well. Timetoast doesn't provide enough space.
I chose this song because it represents the ideal of what we could be. I don't know if we will ever be able to grow beyond concepts like countries or religion but if everyone would choose to embrace being a human being first and place these other beliefs in a secondary status the world would be a much better place.
