After reading Chapter 3 in the textbook, I thought about my
own experiences in school and I can honestly say that cultural diversity was
not something teachers focused on. Banks and Banks define four levels of
curriculum that represent how cultural diversity is typically addressed in a
classroom. I believe my education falls into the "Contributions Approach,”
where the textbook information was all the information I was given. Personally,
I feel that teachers should use a "Social Action Approach" in their
classrooms especially because areas of this state and the nation are becoming
more and more culturally diverse as each day passes. The social action approach
allows students to learn and partake in activities and social action to become
more aware of the other cultures that exist in our communities and to learn
first hand about each of these cultures…………..how are they similar, how are they
different. Do you
think teaching about cultural diversity is important? Which method would you
use in your classroom, and what activities would you do, if any?
I think that cultural diversity in the classroom is very important. I agree with Jenn that the social action approach is better. Children need to be aware the world around them, and what better way to learn than by partaking in activities. There are many different ways to teach about cultural diversity. In the classrooms I have been in, I really have not seen a lot dealing with this topic. However, I did see a teacher read a book to the students and each day of the week was a different book dealing with cultural diversity. Especially at a young age, children question everything, especially about their peers and why they might look different. For this and many other reasons, I believe that teaching cultural diversity is very important.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Monica that cultural diversity in the classroom is extremely important. Especially since the U.S. is only growing more culturally diverse. I like how the book highlighted on making each student feel needed, rather than just tolerated. No matter what the differences are among the students each one should feel important, respected, cared about, and included. In the elementary classes I have observed in in recent years I have seen them make notice of students of different nationalities. They have always explained it as a positive difference and the children have always treated each other equally. My favorite level of Banks and Banks levels of of curriculum is also the social action approach. There is no doubt in my mind that students will get more out of their learning experience if they are taught problem-solving, decision-making, reflective thinking, and how to engage in social action.
ReplyDeleteI agree with my classmates in saying that cultural diversity in the classroom is important. We live in a country that is so diverse and is only going to become more diverse. There are so many different cultures that we see in people that we interact with daily. In the classrooms that I have observed in, I have typical seen the contributions approach. On specific holidays or around specific holidays teachers will merely acknowledge the holidays to their students with little activities. For example, some activities I have seen in a 5th grade classroom are as simple as coloring a picture of MLK on MLK Day. Though this may work in a kindergarten classroom this is not effective in the older grades. The teachers do not go in depth and explain to the students exactly what the holidays are about. I feel this is not an effective way in teaching students about cultural diversity. I have to agree with Jenn ,Monica, and Jess in saying that the social action approach could be much more beneficial in a classroom. This approach will help students to be more involved in the diversity in the U.S. and help them to grasp a better concept of what it really means. Overall, cultural diversity is very important and will be a big part of my classroom someday.
ReplyDeleteI think cultural diversity being taught, as well as students sharing their cultural beliefs with one another is essential in the classroom in any grade from k-12. I have to agree with Burcu that the most I can recall was Martin Luther King day and I also think that was because it was historical as well. Students must be aware of the world around them today, especially at the rate that diversity is skyrocketing. I think it is important that students work together and talk about different cultural beliefs from household to household. This way they will also be learning from one another, and not just being fed cultural knowledge from their teacher. Group Projects can be done to show what students learn from their peers about different cultures. The teacher needs to enforce this as well. Every day the teacher can do a small discussion or lesson involving culture or incorporate itinto his or her own lessons somehow. I agree with Jennifer that there is no question about it we must expand our knowledge of different cultures along with learning new things.
ReplyDeleteI think diversity is a very important subject to learn about in the classroom, especially with the classrooms today. Students need to learn early on about cultures and how everyone is different and shares different beliefs and backgrounds. I think I would use a transformational approach in my classroom because I think it would be important for students to know that even though our ancestors made great discoveries in this country, they did harm the lives of other people. This would give students a perspective of how clashing cultures and misunderstandings can be dangerous.
ReplyDeleteI do not remember learning about cultural diversity growing up. Most of my knowledge was through personal experience. I knew people of different races and if I wanted to know something, I would ask them.
ReplyDeleteThis is parallel to the Social Action Approach. In my opinion, the best way to learn something that will actually stick is through personal interaction.
I agree with Jennifer in that cultural diversity is a very important part of our lives, and therefore the classroom. In order to be successful in a democratic society a person must understand cultural diversity, and it's importance in America. If it isn't taught in the classroom, then where will the students learn it? I feel just as democratic principals must be taught in the classroom, so should cultural diversity.
ReplyDelete