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
Culture has to be respected and recognized in the classroom setting. Language that is inclusive is also important.
While race is a significant part of a student’s identity, culture plays a crucial role in shaping their experiences, behaviors, and perspectives. It's important for educators to embrace both and ensure that every student feels seen, understood, and valued.
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.
