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.
Take into consideration the different experiences of students when planning group activities and class instruction.
Culture vs Race: I agree that culture is a shared pattern of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and race can be defined by many external differences.
Each student is different, with a different history, culture and life experience. Using their individual ways of learning to help them understand what is being taught is important so that they don't get placed in the stereotype of a group.
When a student is grouped into a 'racial' bias by an instructor, and it takes on a negative perception like bias or an idea that the student is less capable, it can be very alienating for a student. An example is if an instructor groups a student who has English as a 2nd language as a 'slower learner' or not able to keep up with the rest of the class. We should never place cultural or racial perceptions on students.
I have to embrace the differences and make them a part of all learning both inside and outside the classroom. Recognize multicultural as something to celebrate and not see it as negative or a hinderance to learning.
I have learned the difference between culture and race and the importance of both in helping and understanding my students.
To not assume you know everything about a specific culture just because you read up on it. Recognize the existence of culture, but build relationships with students to allow them to show you their specific individuality.
Race is something society has come up with to generalize a group of people. culture is an individual experience. Instead of trying to group individuals together we need to see them as their own separate experience
When educating our students, remember each of them is different—gear communication in a way that recognizes this. Also, we look for practical ways to value our students and build their confidence and self-worth.
This section reinforced my belief that instructors need to think about teaching all students as unique and different individuals, regardless of race. Also some strategies suggested are useful for all instructors to incorporate in the classroom.
Each student is different regardless of cultural differences or backgrounds. Using language that is effective for all students
I now realize the difference between communicating "inter" rather than "cross" culturally by validating a student's uniqueness as opposed to trying to ignore it and lumping them all together as 'nursing students'. Fortunately, I have always been fascinated by people's different backgrounds and experiences - I, not only learn new ways to care for patients, but the other students learn also. So, I will continue to have others share and reflect. I will also attempt to better assess learning, understanding, and tolerance among individuals and groups.
Students should be viewed as individuals.
The largest thing I took from this was the concept of intercultural communication and that it needs to be incorporated into my classroom. It is something I focus on when I work with patients at the hospital, but I had not considered how many of those principles would be needed and are more important for the classroom before. I also appreciated the reminder to respond to content of comment/feedback instead of the tone/style/delivery. It can happen so quickly that my cultural training and expectations are not met when speaking with students or others, but the reminder to focus on content helps me slow down and do a better job of listening for clarity and understanding rather than letting tone, body language, etc interrupt that process.
I am well aware of the differences in our student population.
To do everything we can to include and actively engage each and every student.
Just like in the medical profession, you need to be respectful and knowledgeable about a person's culture.
opening my personal instructional style to include students culture will enhance learning. By being openminded and not stereotyping students promotes an open learning environment and promoted trust between my students and myself and shows respect for all. I will learn allot to by exploring others through their beliefs and customs.
