Culture vs. Race | Origin: ED137
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Cultural Diversity: Including Every Student --> Culture vs. Race
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
regardless of race or culture each student must be treated the same and all students need individual attention
Fostering Inclusion Through Intersectionality in Education
Creating an inclusive learning environment isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process that requires reflection, adaptation, and a genuine commitment from instructors. Recognizing the diverse experiences and identities students bring into the classroom means embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adjustment.
True cultural understanding goes beyond simply acknowledging differences—it requires engaging interculturally rather than cross-culturally. This approach affirms identities rather than minimizing them, ensuring that students feel seen, valued, and empowered. A person's identity is deeply tied to their confidence and sense of self-worth, and educators play a pivotal role in either strengthening or diminishing that foundation. When an instructor validates a student’s identity, it builds trust, encourages participation, and supports academic success. Conversely, dismissing aspects of who they are can create unnecessary stress, erode confidence, and hinder the learning process.
For me, this perspective aligns with intersectionality—recognizing that each student carries multiple, overlapping aspects of their identity that shape their educational experience. From personal experience, I’ve seen how dismissing even a single part of a learner’s identity can feel like invalidating their entire personhood. This exclusion adds an emotional and cognitive burden, making it harder for students to engage and thrive academically.
By prioritizing inclusivity and embracing intersectionality, educators can create learning spaces where every student feels respected, represented, and fully acknowledged.
It is important for instructors to acknowledge the different races and cultures in the classroom but not stereotype individuals. The best source for how to interact will be the individual.
Culturally competent teaching requires the use of intercultural communication skills - be inclusive and focus on what is being said and not how it is being said.
I have learned in this course so far that every person is different, we all come from different backgrounds and culture. It's important as an instructor to meet the student where they are.
As an educator, I plan to use the tools/techniques provided to create a classroom culture, free of bias, and all perceptions. Begin a new year with communication for a safe learning space where individuals become part of the classroom group.
I am learning how new technology can be used to help students of many different cultural backgrounds find my teaching more accessible. I'm hoping this will help promote their success.
I have learned to always differentiate between race (the social construct of physical characteristics implying a person's culture) and culture (the social/behavioral/communication characteristics) of a group of people. Simply that external features on an individual tell you nothing of that person's culture. As an instructor, it is very important to remember most people are blend of races, and you do not know someone's cultural identity based on these traits.
Using race and culture as a reason to limit students is like redlining in Real Estate. You push students to one specific area while limiting their access to others. Instead of treating all students equal, assumptions are unfairly made based on their race and culture. If that is the case educators must ask themselves are they being fair to their students and are they limiting their own teaching abilities to fit in their own prejudice prejudgement.
Every student is unique, and when these differences are acknowledged and addressed with suitable teaching methods, they enrich the learning experience for everyone.
This course has taught me to treat each student as an individual. Similar to patient centered care, each student has a unique background that can contribute to the learning process. It is the student's and teachers' responsibility to create an inclusive environment and be aware of any racial discrimination.
Culture and race are two different things. Each one of us has a culture or an adaptive culture. We are born into a race that we cannot change, and so it is important to be aware and be mindful of each other's race or culture.
Each student is different and those differences enhance the learning environment for all when recognized and appropriate instruction strategies are used.
Everyone person are their own individual regardless of the culture they practice or their race. We all all humans.
Every student brings their diverse background, experiences, and learning styles to the classroom. Ensure language is professional and without slang so all participants have the opportunity for understanding. I appreciate the multicultural experiences that students reveal in a group; this helps others see things from different perspectives.
One area I can work on is not using English phrases that cannot be translated literally since we often have Spanish, Swahili, and Russian speaking students. One example would be "to knock it out of the park."
For example, many of my students belong to a specific racial group, they are first or second-generation immigrants. They often speak Spanish and maintain strong familial and community networks, which are closely tied to their racial identity. However, they embrace American Culture, which emphasizes independence, individualism, and social mobility. You can belong to a particular racial group, but it is important not to use stereotypes, because culture is complex.
From the "Culture vs. Race" module, several key insights can be drawn that are essential for fostering a better understanding of diversity in the classroom:
Distinction between Culture and Race: It is crucial to recognize that culture and race, while often interconnected, are distinct concepts. Race refers to physical characteristics, while culture encompasses beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors shared by a group. Understanding this distinction helps in appreciating the nuances of identity.
Impact of Cultural Context: Culture shapes individuals' worldviews and experiences. Acknowledging and valuing students' cultural backgrounds can enhance classroom dynamics and promote a more inclusive environment.
Cultural Competence: Developing cultural competence involves being aware of one's own cultural biases and striving to understand the cultures of others. This can improve interactions and relationships within the classroom.
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Implementing teaching strategies that reflect the diverse cultures of students helps to create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience. This involves integrating cultural references into the curriculum and teaching methods.
Addressing Stereotypes: It is essential to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about race and culture. Educators have a role in dismantling biases and promoting critical thinking about these topics.
Application in Practice:
Inclusive Curriculum: I intend to review and adapt my curriculum to include diverse cultural perspectives and narratives, ensuring that all students see themselves represented in the material.
Classroom Discussions: I will facilitate open discussions about culture and race, encouraging students to share their experiences and perspectives. This can help build empathy and understanding among peers.
Professional Development: Seeking out training on cultural competence and equity in education will be a priority, as it will equip me with the tools needed to address these topics effectively in my classroom.
Creating Safe Spaces: I will work to establish a classroom environment where students feel safe to express their cultural identities and engage in conversations about race and culture without fear of judgment.
By applying these insights, I hope to create a classroom that not only values diversity but also actively promotes understanding and respect for all cultures and races.
Remembering that each student brings with them their cultural differences and to make sure to use inclusive language
