Reflection on Culture
Mind Map-Unit 1
Before this course I viewed culture as groups of people with the same religion, traditions, location, etc. I believed that culture was a way to determine similarities and differences among groups of people. I understand one’s culture can be complex and may change over time. As we mature we have a different perspective and experiences that contribute to our culture. Our culture may be impacted by our educational experiences, achievements, and failures.
Mind Map-Unit 8
Now that I am nearing the end of this course I am reflecting on what I have learned about culture. The term culture encompasses so many aspects of a person’s life. Culture is what makes each person unique and an individual. Not only does one’s culture include religion, beliefs, and location but it will also include gender, personal experiences, and environment. Each person has his/her own experiences that contribute to their culture. Our culture is ever changing with our day to day interactions, learning, and experiences.
Diversity Issues in 21st Century Education
I chose to read The Skin That We Speak: Thoughts on Language and Culture in the Classroom by Lisa Delpit and Joanne Kilgour Dowdy. This book was insightful in understanding that cultural differences in the way we speak should not impact our perception of one another. The stories/experiences were enlightening in that I realized some of my judgments and bias’ while reading. I feel this book would be beneficial to pre-service teachers, to help them to be mindful of any prejudice they may have in the first years of teaching. Educators learn primarily from experience in the classroom but I believe the more we can share and prepare, the better off we will be and the more impact we can have on our students.
Issue Investigation
Throughout this course I have learned the many aspects of diversity and multicultural education. One area I wanted to investigate a little further was the impact of poverty on a child’s education. This was important to me because the school district I teach in has a high poverty rate and I wanted to gain a better understanding. Through my research I have found that poverty does not only put the students at a disadvantage academically but socially, emotionally and physically as well. I now have a better understanding of some of the challenges my students face and I know I need to be empathetic to their needs.
Mrs. Jackson 