Cultural Diversity
It is important to recognize the student cultural differences and weaknesses in order to better guide and support the student through their career path while overcoming any cultural shock or challenges in their training.
I do recognize student cultural differences and weaknesses, I also show enthusiansim and empathy during lectures and demos and when the unforseen arises, but, I have one student whom has been in my class for the third time, he shows enthusiasim and motovation when he is here. But, continues to miss class on some of the most important days ( quiz days, lecture days, assignment due days). I have tried talking to him, showing thim hat I care about his education and his future. Yet, I can't seem to be able to get it in his head that skipping class is what is keeping him from passing on to the next class. What else is there for me to do?
Dewayne,
Good point in relation to reaching out to all of the students enrolled in the course. Knowledge of how to best do that is very important for instructors to have.
Gary
I feel that we should incorporate and discuss topics concerning ethnic sensitivity and cultural diversity during inservice training.
Dale,
Very much so. In fact "hands on" learning is one of the most effective ways of acquiring new information and skills if the content is offered in an engaging way.
Gary
I have been instructing in a clinical setting and not in a classroom setting for about 18 months. Does the information in this module apply as well to the learning of hands-on skills?
I feel that this is an area that most instructors can really challenge themselves to improve on. I come from a small town, but have lived all over the US in cities of varying sizes and levels of cultural diversity. From my own personal experiences I feel that I have learned a lot about working with people from all sorts of backgrounds.
My number one goal about working with students from different backgrounds is getting to know about their culture and trying to help them express their background through the food that they make. I feel like with that support they start to really open up and realize that they have something very special to bring to the class.
Cultural diversity also relates to non ethnic cultural differences. There are military cultures, city vs. rural life cultures, gender differences, program major cultures,, all of these operate constantly. It is important for an instructor to be mindful of the whole dynamic of a classroom.
Hi Camila,
Good point and one that instructors need to be aware of as they target their instruction. This way they will be able to customize the content to keep their students engaged.
Gary
Cultural diversity is actually what I feel is my area of expertise based on my own diverse background. This might sound somewhat arrogant on my part but there must be various levels of support for those students that are enrolled in your learning environment. Language, materials, tutors and instructor level of understanding is key to their success. There must not be stereo-typical biases allowed to exist or fostered within a learning environment and my advise to any instructor who lacks the understanding of how to be affective with any students with cultural differences; allow them to teach you how & what they believe and take the time to learn from them.
C.Smith
