Foundations of Multicultural education
During this assignment, I created a lesson plan to help students understand the main concepts of multiculturalism. The lesson also strives to teach students tolerance. This lesson introduced me to the different aspects that make up multiculturalism. I learned that multiculturalism does not just involve race and language, but many other factors that make us all different from one another. I will use this information to help me improve my classroom environment. By Looking at all aspects of diversity, I can create an accepting environment where students feel safe.
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ETHNICity and Race
I examined the racist practices at my school. I wrote about my experiences at the school as the only black female teacher at my school, and my attempts to help my fellow teachers relate to non-white students. I had a take a hard look at the school that I love during this lesson. I will use this information to continue to help bridge the gap between privileged teachers and non-white students at my school.
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Class & Socioeconomic status
During this lesson, I compared my school to an all minority school. I found information to support my view that the environment, school and home, dictates many student behaviors. It is like a vicious cycle with many students. They have a horrible home environment, then they misbehave at school, and they school reacts by creating a prison-like environment. I would like to use this information to improve my class environment. Although I must give consequences for certain actions, I can give students another chance to exhibit positive behavior the next day. Positive behavior should always receive positive consequences.
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Gender & Sexual orientation
During this assignment, I reflected mainly on gender roles in schools. I learned that many students in my classes try to adhear to traditional gender stereotypes. I will use this in my class to encourage my female students to participate more in engineering disciplines. I am surrounded mainly by men in my field, and I have a unique position to help teach girls and boys that they do not have to follow gender stereotypes.
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Exceptionality
In this unit, I examined my school's ability to service visually impaired students. Upon examining my school, I was presently surprised at how the school can accommodate a visually impaired student. We have a great support system to help many impair students visually or physically. I will use this information in class to help support my impaired students. I have had students from time to time with broken limbs, but I would have to adapt my class layout if I had a visually impaired student.
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Language
We have many students from all over the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia at my school, and I reflected on the language support systems for ELL students. I learned we have an awesome program that helps students adapt to an all English environment. Many of our students have the opportunity to learn English from their peers and teachers at school. I will use this information to help my ELL students in class. I will also help my English speaking students understand they can help teach students English as well by being patient and talking to the ELL students in English.
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Religion
During this lesson, I examined different religions and the arguments revolving around religion in schools. I developed a lesson plan and an agenda for a PTO meeting to discuss teaching religion in schools. I learned that religion has a great impact on people and on students. I will use this in my classroom to help establish a culture of tolerance when or if religion ever comes up in my classroom. It is important that students not feel ostracized because of their religion because of the major role it plays in the lives of many people.
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Geography
During this assignment, I reflect on how where I grew up established my cultural identity. I would be remiss if I did not first state that I absolutely loathe my hometown. My interaction with anyone outside of my family, and sometimes with my family, taught me how not to behave as an adult and a member of the human race. I will use this in my classroom to relate to students who have a strong desire to leave their hometowns. I can positively encourage students to travel and share my experiences.
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Age
During this assignment I reflected on the zero-tolerance policies in my school. I feel that the policies are fair at my school and important to creating a safe environment for teachers and students. I think the policies work and allow administrators the ability to protect the school from drugs, weapons, and violence. I will use this information for my school committees. All teachers have to serve on a committee, and we are encouraged to give our true thoughts. Having an understanding of school policies and students will help me encourage committees to create policies that will advance our school.
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Education that is Multicultural
In this assignment, I wrote my autobiography. I reflected on parts of my life that helped shape me into the person I am now. As I was writing the paper, I discovered that I could only give a surface level account. I would have needed more time and pages to write a true detailed account of my experience. I really enjoyed the video on integration of schools. I find discrimination in every part of my life based on my gender and my race. I will use this information help my students accept each other so that the divide between race and sex becomes less and less over time.
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Diversity Practicum
I spent 10 hours in a diverse classroom at my school. I learned that the classroom teacher spent many hours learning about the students' background, skill level, and experiences. Her knowledge of the students helped to create a positive environment where the students worked hard. I would use this experience to see a diverse class as a strength, and allow students to share their different experiences when they joined class discussions.
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