6/5 The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies

 

Influence of Culture in education by Nicole Biscotti  is a great read in addition to the article assigned.  The above chart is the model that Ms. Nicole made using the work of Hofstede and Trompenaar this is what she notice in our education system when comparing a traditional education to a culturally influenced education.

THE ASSIGNED READING:

The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies

by Christine E Sleeter

The Main Argument is that belonging inspires the hunter to learn.  Being able to see your cultural truth and know that people see what you live and understand what you find valuable and cultural significant makes a difference in what you give to the world.   Students are not interested in anything that is not interested in them.  Not seeing yourself in the world around you or in the discussions that happen in your real world is like being Patrick Swayze in ghost.  the feeling of nothing you do matters can happen quickly if you do not have any view of what it is you can do.

Marginalized people are made to feel like they do not matter enough to be a part of the history and discussion of this world.  No mention of great things accomplished that have helped us grow as a country.  like the movie 77768  this movie was excellent and shows how woman can problem solve and get things done with leadership and efficiency.  So many cultures have heros to learn about  great people with huge accomplishments  people who put their OWN lives at risk for the betterment of others.  We need to hear about these people in all cultures, religions, and genders.   So many have overcome huge hurdles and we do not talk about it or educate about it because that is what will interrupt oppression, that is what will start to feed poison to capitalism and poverty.  We must be making pretty decent noise if they are willing to be so blatantly obvious that they are trying to oppress those who do not fit the "original" criteria.  Amilcar Cabral  a great man who fought to free Cape Verde from oppression.  East Providence  a city with a huge cape verdean population last year started honoring independence day for Cape Verde by having a community day.  It is so nice to see that considering all the Portuguese festivals we have in the city as we also have a large Portugese population.  It is so nice to see that the city wants to share the story and the vision of coming together to fight for what is right for your community.

my 3 speaking points from the article are 

1. White fifth graders believed that the bill of rights gave rights to everyone, about half of the black children pointed out that not everyone has rights.  As early as elementary school children have been found to respond to curricula based partly on what they learn and experience in their homes and communities.  While black children were beginning to articulate a sense of racial oppression, white children describe the US as being built on progress, democracy, and opportunity for all.  

2. Students posited that teachers avoided in depth discussions of race and racism out of fear that the black students would react violently.

3. A few teachers did try to create curricula that represented multiple social groups,but most of the students of color framed their desire for a more representative curriculum in terms of learning about one's own cultural history before going on to study other groups.

I am left unpacking this sentence ......to frame perpetrators of racism as a few bad individuals rather than a system of oppression, and challenges to racism as actions of heroic individuals rather than the organized struggle.......... just enough of truth to keep things quiet but not enough to give power to those who have been powerless for so long. 

EXTRA INFORMATION: 

Even Google AI knows what we need for a better education system   I love how they summarized the point:

Cultural factors play a significant role in providing insight into education and improving the learning experience for students. Here's how: 

1. Shaping Learning Styles and Behaviors:

• Diverse Learning Approaches: Different cultures may favor distinct learning styles, such as rote learning versus critical thinking or individual work versus collaboration.
• Socialization and Communication: Cultural norms dictate social interactions and communication styles, impacting how students interact with teachers and peers.
• Attitudes Towards Authority: Some cultures value respect for elders and authority figures, which can influence how students engage with teachers. 

2. Influencing Student Motivation and Engagement:

• Cultural Relevance: When educational content incorporates diverse cultural perspectives and aligns with students' backgrounds, it enhances engagement and motivation.
• Sense of Belonging: Feeling valued and seeing their culture reflected in the classroom can create a sense of belonging for students from diverse backgrounds, leading to improved academic performance.
• Empowerment: Incorporating culturally relevant content and activities helps students feel proud of their heritage and empowers them to succeed. 

3. Enhancing Global Understanding and Empathy:

• Diverse Perspectives: Exposure to different cultures broadens students' understanding of the world and helps them appreciate diverse viewpoints.
• Reduced Prejudice: Learning about other cultures can challenge stereotypes and promote empathy and tolerance among students. 

4. Building Essential Skills for the Future:

• Intercultural Communication: Understanding cultural nuances in communication helps students develop effective communication skills.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Exposure to diverse ways of thinking fosters critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate complex situations.
• Preparedness for a Diverse World: Cultural awareness prepares students for future success in a globalized society and workforce. 

In summary, cultural insights enable educators to:

• Develop culturally responsive teaching strategies: Tailor instructional methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
• Create inclusive learning environments: Foster a classroom where all students feel respected, valued, and safe to express themselves.
• Incorporate diverse perspectives into the curriculum: Ensure that educational materials reflect the richness and complexity of various cultures.
• Challenge cultural biases and stereotypes: Promote understanding and address potential misunderstandings that may arise due to cultural differences. 

By embracing cultural diversity and leveraging cultural insights, educators can create a more equitable, engaging, and effective learning environment for all students.