I really enjoyed this article and think that the course that this instructor provided would be really beneficial to all students. I think we need to learn to view the diverse students in our classrooms as assets that can help enrich our science teaching. Each student brings their own perspective to the classroom which can help us think in ways that we might not have. It is essential to draw upon students' understanding and cultural background like the article states. I think this is the way we can really get our students excited and engaged in science. Science as we have talked about is a culture of its own, and I think a way we can begin to bridge that gap is by allowing access through the strengths of their own culture.
Another aspect of the article I really related to was the analyzing of ones own cultural bias. I feel that if you aren't asked the important question, and really required to look at your own beliefs you may not even know that you are approaching diverse learners with this stereotypical view. It is easy to judge everything by our own culture, and I think what can make us stand out as teachers is by not doing that. I know that I have taken the first step to really look at my beliefs, and want to use instructional practices that don't view students only through the dominant culture. This class and articles have really opened my eyes to this.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I also related to a majority of the article, it was as if I were reading my own thoughts at some points. I think that the most important thing that we have accomplished this semester is taking the time to think about our own beliefs and how they influence our classrooms. It is important that we realize how much of a difference this will make for our students.
Post a Comment