Premium Essay

Cultural Diversity and Education

In:

Submitted By codyrenfro2005
Words 818
Pages 4
Cody Renfro
EDU-230
October 2, 2015
Kimberly Werking
Cultural Diversity and Education The American classroom can at times contain many different cultural diversities and backgrounds. Students from different states or countries offer the classroom a cultural masterpiece that is designed to somehow work and at times this can be an accomplishment. A world of separation exists that can cause a series of emotions especially in regards to a student’s cultural background or race. Everyone is placed in a way by our race and the cultures we represent. Educators must be aware of this and their own position in the classroom in order to create relationships with their students in a teaching and learning manner. Race matters in everyday life. It can have a very powerful effect on interactions between students, students and teachers, and effects learning in some cases. One way to offer support for all students from different cultures is to offer multicultural education. Multicultural education is put in place to provide equal opportunities to all students in educational settings by changing the environment to reflect the cultures and groups within the classrooms. Offering this support makes the learning experience better for students who may struggle fitting in due to their race or cultural difference. The cultural differences that come with being from a different state or country should be embraced in order to allow our educational system to move forward into embracing cultural differences and diversities that make up our nations classrooms. My interviewee shared many of the same ideals as myself. Our cultures do not differ in ways that would be cause of a change in cultural identity. The only difference we have is that he was brought up in a different era and time period than myself. As a young man he had to fight for his freedoms and I have not had to. The

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

What Does Making Excellence Inclusive in Education Mean?

...What Does Making Excellence Inclusive in Education Mean? Student’s Name Institution What Does Making Excellence Inclusive in Education Mean? In the current education system, the performance of students is to some extent influenced by their background. This influence is in terms of race, region, social class, language, and ethnicity. Students from underserved social backgrounds often perform poorly as compared to those in highly regarded social contexts (Kuh, 2008). To this end, there is no equality in the current education system. This act precipitates a growing need for making education excellence inclusive. Education excellence inclusive means that all students are guided and given room to prove they're potential irrespective of their social backing (Clayton-Pedersen, O'Neill, and Musil, 2009). Making excellence inclusive in the education system, therefore, means that race, cultural diversity, language, the color of the skin and ethnicity are disregarded. As variables for influencing education performance and achievement in schools (Tierney, 2007). Performance is solely based on merit and not on cultural background as it is been the tradition. Cultural diversity has always had negative impacts on the education system, as race and background have been used to gauge the potential of certain students (Tierney, 2007). This fact means that it is erroneous to pronounce a particular student who hails from a minority group or culture as the top performer...

Words: 673 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Special Education History

...Explain the concept of special education. What is the impact of both cultural diversity and linguistic diversity on special education? Special education is a specialized program that provides support, additional services, placements and or environments that help to make sure that all students’ needs are met within the educational system. There are a lot of students who meet the special education criteria and these programs are designed to address their needs at no cost to the parents. The United States population is changing considerably diversity definition has gone through a transformation. The concept of diversity has grown to include more than just the usual accepted elements of ethnicity and race; cultural and socioeconomic factors play a major part in how a person works together in society. Even the once clearly defined check boxes of race are blurring. For the first time, the 2000 U.S. Census allowed individuals to indicate more than one race on the form, meaning that people of mixed heritages no longer have to decide which one classification best describes them (Trail, 2000). These changes indicate a shift in the American viewpoint on diversity. The American melting pot of the last century no longer exists; we are now moving to a society where individuality is free and valued a cultural mixture is being created from millions of unique pieces. Linguistic and cultural diversity in our classrooms and communities has the potential to educate and expand our understanding...

Words: 346 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Multiculturalism and Education

...Multiculturalism and Education Tracey M. Mills Liberty University HSER509 Dr. Kantz May 10, 2010 Abstract Research Paper There are so many definition and interpretation of multiculturalism. Rosa Carson states that multiculturalism is “a social and political movement and position that holds differences between individuals as groups to be a potential source of strength and renewal rather than strife” (Carson, R. 1999). This definition presents the foundational belief of pride, freedom, value, ideas that formed America. One of the most unique aspects of the United States is the diversity of its people. On the Statue of Liberty is engraved “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free,” America has upheld through the mixture of people of different races, religions, and creeds. According to James Banks’s Introduction to Multicultural Education (Boston, 1999) shares that multicultural education consist of: equity pedagogy, empowerment, knowledge construction, content integration, and prejudice reduction. Equity pedagogy involves teachers modifying their teaching to facilitate the academic achievement of culturally diverse students (Tummala-Narra, P. 2009). There is an approach to teaching and learning that is based on conscious building, respect, and fostering cultural pluralism within racial societies. So why is the United States and most importantly the teachers in the classroom at odds with the idea of a multi-cultural and classroom...

Words: 2996 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Making Excellence Inclusive in Education

...Making Excellence Inclusive In Education Student’s Name Institution Abstract This research paper is on cultural diversity and particularly intercultural maturity (Tierney, 2007). The point of discussion zeros into education practices that are being adopted to enhance intercultural maturity and intercultural competence in the current education systems (King & Baxter, 2005). This study also gives an overview of how to make the current education system excellent inclusive. Making education unique, inclusive addresses the adverse impacts on cultural diversity in the education sector (Kuh, 2008). In this research, I have also suggested areas for further research that need critical studies for the fulfillment of those research gaps. This paper is significant as it has identified key areas related to intercultural maturity that require rethink and further analysis. At the very end of my research, I have devised an action plan on how best to tackle and address those problems that are interconnected with intercultural maturity. This paper is of value as it dissects intercultural maturity; it enhances and builds a clear understanding of intercultural competence, excellence inclusive education and cross-cultural maturity. Furthermore, it will lead to the advancement of knowledge or perhaps the discovery of new knowledge as the research gaps are fulfilled (Alvesson & Sandberg, 2013). Making Excellence Inclusive In Education In the modern society...

Words: 1160 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Economics

...------------------------------------------------- WORKPLACE DIVERSITY ------------------------------------------------- (CULTURAL DIVERSITY) SAZIA KHAN SANJA GM410: FOUNDATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION. INSTRUCTION: ROBERT WOODS Keller Graduate School of Management Introduction: The social composition of the world is changing. And the increasing of the globalization demands more interaction with people from diverse cultures religion and background ever before. As a result of that the demography of the world is changing. The word becomes a single market place. Anyone with a cell phone or access to the internet is a potential customer. In today’s global economy traditional barrier are disappear. So being increasing the opportunity as well as competition if the company wants to compete effectively and globally, Todays Companies need to realize that they longer have choice.it is now essential to be knowledgeable about and be able to communicate with people of different nationalities cultures and religions. Corporation realizes that they must embrace that diversity in the workplace brings. What is Work place Diversity Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. That means diversity encompasses race, gender, culture, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more. Diversity not only involves how people perceive themselves, but how they perceive others...

Words: 1397 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Diversity

...contrast the perspectives of diverse peoples/populations. Diversity can be defined as people coming together from different races, nationalities, religions and sexes to form a group, organization or community. A community that is diverse is a community that values different types of people. It is aware that people with different types of backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring different ideas and perceptions to the table. Most people view diversity as a good thing because it gives the chance to experience different things outside of what they normally accustomed to. Diversity in this country is openly viewed as a beneficial bacterium, so many backgrounds and not knowing which ones are good and which ones are bad. Studies show that the lack of unity between races, sexes and cultures is due to mistrust, stereotyping, are more within culture conversation and language problems. Being cultural aware provides an opportunity to stand back and consider that there are certain backgrounds, personal values, beliefs and upbringing that shape the things we all do. Something that is considered inappropriate behavior in one culture may be perfectly appropriate in another. The first thing to acknowledge about diversity is that it can be difficult and the key to understand the positive influence of diversity is the concept of informational diversity. When we as human are brought together to solve problems in groups, diversity plays a big part because we would come up with different...

Words: 1056 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Diversity Action Plan

...Diversity Action Plan SOC315 Diversity Action Plan In today’s emulous world it is not enough for a company to employ a diverse workforce. Companies must take full advantage of the diversity at their disposal to remain successful (Gwele, 2009). This must include a plan of action; a roadmap to success. The company will face challenges and detours along the way, but it must resign itself to stubborn resolve. Commitment to addressing diversity in the organization must be a cogent conviction instead of a retrospective addendum. Opportunities and Challenges of Increasing Diversity Today more than 60% of McDonald’s home office and U.S. company workforce are of a racial or ethnic minority, or are women (McDonald’s, 2010). McDonald’s thrives on diversity within their organization, and based on their initiatives, the level of diversity will increase. Opportunities Diversity presents a variety of opportunities to improve adaptability, productivity, teamwork, and problem solving. Organizations employing a diverse workforce can supply a greater variety of solutions to problems in service, sourcing, and allocation of resources. For instance, different perspectives can assist in the development of new meal options for consumers. Employees from different cultures bring a variety of talents or experiences in suggesting new ideas in adapting to changing markets and customer demands to keep McDonald’s competitive in the food industry. A variety of skills lead to innovative approaches...

Words: 1817 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Essay

...Reclaiming Cultural and Social Diversity: Mobilizing Youth for National Harmony and Peace: the Search for Resources Within Students Essays 0 Reclaiming Cultural and Social Diversity: Mobilizing Youth for National Harmony and Peace: the Search for Resources Within Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3 ESSAYS ....................................................................................................................... 5 1. Social & Cultural Diversity............................................................................................... 6 2. Citizenship ...................................................................................................................... 7 3. What Is A Good Pakistani Citizen? Define His/Her Responsibilities & Rights. ............... 8 4. What Is A Good Pakistani Citizen? Define His / Her Rights And Responsibilities .......... 9 5. What Is A Good Pakistani Citizen? Define His / Her Rights And Responsibilities ........ 11 6. Sectarian Violence: Implications for Citizens and Country............................................ 12 7. Becoming A Responsible Citizen: Can Education Help? .............................................. 13 8. Becoming A Responsible Citizen: Can Education Help? ...

Words: 12061 - Pages: 49

Premium Essay

Culturally Diverse Activities

...Cultural Diversity Activities Amanda Brogdon ELL240: Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners Instructor Jerrica Mesquita July 30, 2014 Cultural Diversity Activities “Connecting with families of ELLs is every bit as important as connecting with the learners themselves in the classroom” (Syrja, R. pg. 81. 2011). Learning about cultural diversity is an excellent way to get families involved. Cultural diversity is something that our children begin to understand at an early age. It is up to those who educate our children to help get parents as well as students involved in educating our children about the different cultures in our society as it is important in the success of their development. Some activities that could involve both students and their parents in cultural diversity education could include culinary diversity, arts and crafts, and culturally diverse textiles. Description of Target Group: “Building positive identities and a respect for differences means weaving diversity into the fabric of children's everyday lives. Working with families is an important first step in helping children accept, understand, and value their rich and varied world” (Gonzalez-Mena, J. & Pulido-Tobiassen, D. 2014). The target group for these activities is children in Kindergarten through second grade who are of American and Hispanic descent. They have been developed for students and their parents to do together and all three of them honor and respect cultural diversity...

Words: 1027 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Miss Mitchell

...H E D I T I O N An Introduction to Multicultural Education James A. Banks University of Washington, Seattle Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City São Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo ISBN 1-269-53060-7 An Introduction to Multicultural Education, Fifth Edition, by James A. Banks. Published by Pearson. Copyright © 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. Vice President/Editorial Director: Jeffery Johnston Executive Editor: Linda Bishop Editorial Assistant: Laura Marenghi Senior Marketing Manager: Darcy Betts Production Editor: Karen Mason Production Project Manager: Elizabeth Gale Napolitano Manager, Central Design: Jayne Conte Cover Designer: Laura Gardner Cover Art: “Sea and Sky” (013) 2003 © Marvin Oliver Artist Full Service Project Manager: Niraj Bhatt, Aptara® , Inc. Composition: Aptara® , Inc. Printer/Binder/Cover Printer: Courier Westford Text Font: ITC Stone Serif Std 10/12 Text Credits: Page 11, Stiglitz excerpt: From Stiglitz, J.E. (2012). The price of inequality: How today’s divided society endangers our future. New York, NY: Norton; page 18, Morrison excerpt: Morrison, T. (2012). Home: A novel. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf; page 26, Goncalves e Sliva excerpt: Gonçalves e Sliva, P. B. (2004). Citizenship and education in Brazil: The contribution of Indian peoples and Blacks in the struggle for...

Words: 78362 - Pages: 314

Premium Essay

Journal

...After reading this weeks assigned textbook readings, the key points are understanding what special education is, the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity and the concepts of IDEA. Special education is educating students with special needs where it addresses their individual needs. In our textbook it states that special education is "specially designed instruction provided at no cost to parents in all settings (such as the classroom, physical education facilities, the home, and hospitals or institutions) (Hardman, Drew & Egan, 2013).” After reading the assigned readings, I learned how cultural and linguistic diversity does not mean that they should be put in a special education class. In Lecture 1 it states, cultural and linguistic diversity, while absolutely affecting a students’ academic needs, do not merit placement in a special education setting (SPE-226 Lecture 1, 2015).Many times the students just do not understand English. When a student does not speak English there is a different program for them called English as a Second Language (ESL).IDEA is a law that ensures education to students with special needs. Also known as the zero-exclusion principle, IDEA requires all public schools have special education to meet individual needs of all students, no matter what type or the extent of their disability (Hardman, Drew, Egan, 2013). Based upon my experience in education, I would apply what I have learned so far in this class. I would do so by teaching or helping out in...

Words: 450 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Nursing

...The impact of diversity in work place Janevine Onyeanuna Walden University Issues and Trends in Nursing NURS 3000 Section 04 Dr Mary Tan March 15, 2015 The impact of diversity in work place Knowledge of the impact of diversity is nesseccary at all levels of nursing work place because the nursing work place is made up individuals of diverse cultural group and so the ethnocentric approach to nursing practice should be eliminated in providing care. A good nursing care to a patient is clear, accurate communication and understanding of the patient’s values, belief system and family dynamics. The purpose of this paper explains the impact of gender, ethnic, demographic diversity on nursing profession and also the effect of underrepresentation of minorities nursing profession. Importance of Diversity in the Work place Cultural diversity in nursing profession is a cross- cultural health discipline, which encompasses the belief system of a variety of groups; it refers to the differences between individuals based on beliefs, customs, and ideology as evidenced in their way of life. Nurses bring their cultural and philosophical views into nursing profession so there fore its needful for them to understand the nurse- patient relationship, nurse- nurse relationship which includes the culture of the nurse, the culture of the co-worker and the culture of the patient, and the culture of the setting. Patients...

Words: 2514 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Cultural Diversity

...Diversity is an important part of education but in my community diversity rarely exists. The lack of avenues to open the community up to diversity is precisely why students aren't educated in diversity here. We are a small redneck town (which I wouldn't change for the world) that just isn't exposed to other cultures and ethnicities. The only way that students are exposed to diversity, in a cultural sense, is if they have the ability to travel or communicate with other cultures via the internet, Skype, Facebook, etc. Some kids are extremely diverse but their education in diversity is not a result of their schooling, it is a result of their travels, exposure and friendships to people of other countries and regions. In our school district we do have foreign exchange students who offer some insight into the lives of other cultures, genders, etc. We also have “distant learning” classes available at our school for students who want to take them. I feel that our local communities are very close-minded in terms of other cultures and the ways in which diversity can benefit us. Due to my own lack of cultural education I am going to write about the history of and importance of multicultural education in the school systems, citizen education programs and cultural enrichment activities.. Multicultural education has slowly evolved since its origins in the 1950’s civil rights movement to become part of the cultural mainstream. The desire to recognize the diversity of cultures rather...

Words: 1530 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism in Md Anderson Cancer Center.

...Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism in MD Anderson Cancer Center. Introduction The concept of diversity can include non-only respect, but also acceptance; it signify accepting that every individual is unique and recognize our own difference. According to MD Anderson web page, diversity can be defined as an amalgam of difference and similarities between all individuals in the MD Anderson setting. Diversity encompasses dimension such as race, ethnic group, gender, age, personality, religion, social status, organization function, education and more. The success of an organization depends on it capacity to accept and recognize diversity. If organizations actively evaluate their handling of workplace diversity issues, establish and enable diversity plans, multiple benefits can result from that; without enough resources and leadership, it is challenging to make diversity an asset. There are initiatives that an organization can implement such as recruiting a diverse board, appointing a chief diversity officer, providing effective training and mentoring programs, forming adequate employee resource groups, etc.(Harvey & Allard, 2014). This paper will outline a research made about cultural diversity and multiculturalism in MD Anderson Cancer Center. The term diversity is frequently used to characterize the composition of work groups. At the most basic level, diversity is seen as demographic differences. Most likely, diversity focuses on the composition of work groups around factors...

Words: 1697 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Cultural Issues with Different Generations

...Cultural Issues with Different Generations Student’s Name Institution Cultural Issues with Different Generations In the education sector, there is an increasing need to incorporate multicultural education systems.This act will go a long way in enhancing intercultural maturity and social justice in schools and the society as a whole ( King & Baxter, 2005). Concerns of diversity issues such as discrimination, rights for the minority, racism and ethnicity cannot be overemphasized (King & Baxter, 2005. This paper, therefore, undertakes this discussion and perhaps bring forward possible ways of filling research gaps as identified in module four. Research precipitates the need to discover new knowledge or perhaps advance existing knowledge (Tierney, 2007). Filling the research gaps identified in module four will not only lead to the discovery of new knowledge on culture and diversity in education but also will front ways of solving the prevailing problem. The prevalent problem is manifest in the negativity of difference to the education sector. The research gaps need to studied, as it is only when that we will know more about intercultural maturity in the education sector as module four project was not extensive. Most of the research gaps previously identified revolve around the aspects of cultural diversity. To solve these research problems, a survey needs to be done as this is the only way we will know. How individual variables influence...

Words: 348 - Pages: 2