Alysson, Cameron and I went to the Native Friendship Centre for our site visit. As Alysson mentioned in class, we learned about the issues Aboriginal students face at school. It was really insightful. I learned that some Aboriginal students have difficulties succeeding at school because they think their teachers are racist. Students feel that their teachers lower expectations because they are Aboriginal.
This made me think about things we've talked about in other classes. In Sebastien's presentation for Dr. Cressey's class, he talked about how African Americans placed more value on communalistic learning vs. individualistic learning that Caucasian groups valued. In our philosophy class we also discussed the issue whether schools should establish a uniform culture or have multiple ones.
Should students be expected to abandon their own culture to succeed in the classroom? As future educators, how do we create a learning environment where students can succeed regardless of their cultural background?
This made me think about things we've talked about in other classes. In Sebastien's presentation for Dr. Cressey's class, he talked about how African Americans placed more value on communalistic learning vs. individualistic learning that Caucasian groups valued. In our philosophy class we also discussed the issue whether schools should establish a uniform culture or have multiple ones.
Should students be expected to abandon their own culture to succeed in the classroom? As future educators, how do we create a learning environment where students can succeed regardless of their cultural background?
Good question Aisa. I don't think that anyone should be expected to give up their culture in any sort of situation or setting, including the classroom. But is it possible can we create a classroom environment where all students feel equal amongst their peers and welcomed by their teacher regardless of their ethnic or cultural background? I don't really know the answer to that. However, in light of all the reading I've been doing for adolescent psych in the last couple of days, I wonder if it would be possible to create a separate "classroom culture" in which all students could belong?
ReplyDeleteI think for starters, teachers must know their students and their academic abilities individually, rather than relying on racial or ethnic stereotypes or prior experience with other students of similar backgrounds. Also, remember that stereotypes can be seen as both negative (teacher expectations of Aboriginal students) and positive (Asian-Canadian students always excel in academics), is important because both types of stereotypes have the possibility to negatively impact the student.
As an example, many admire the perceived academic prowess and motivation of Asian American students and fail to recognize how even a "positive" stereotype isn't positive if it presses students into molds not built for them individually.
Cheers,
Erin :)