Traci Lynn Patterson Blake
E6925 Capstone Project
M6A2: Project Review 1
Competence in the area of Diversity
Dr. McIntyre
4/10/2011
This is part of the work I have completed during my Argosy Master’s Program for Adult Training and Education. This is an example of work that demonstrates competence in the area of Diversity (Argosy, 2011).
Reflection on Work Sample Demonstration of Outcome
The work that demonstrates competence in the area of Diversity is assignment M2A2 from the course E6420 Multicultural Education in Contemporary Society. This assignment illustrates my knowledge of the use of the educational theory of Diversity and my writing skill. This assignment reflects the aspects of the educational theory of Diversity by expressing my knowledge of various strategies which can be employed to instruct diverse learners in the classroom. This assignment also reflects my writing style.
After completion of the course, I have created a modified version of the assignment, it is reflective of my current level of knowledge and skill in the area of Diversity. The following is the modification of assignment M2A2, E6420 Multicultural Education in Contemporary Society. It is reflective of the fact that now I provide and incorporate multiple strategies deliberately to account and be responsible for the diverse differences in the learning environment. By reflecting on previously taught lessons, I can visualize where I was on the cusp of integrating diverse strategies and ideologies, without paying any attention to the notion. This occurred when I used specifically student-oriented instructional processes and wrote lessons, choosing and delivering ethnically and culturally relevant material.
Areas for Improvement in the Work Sample
The area I feel I need to improve in as a result of learning over the course of my program is development of the use of diversity for specific learning styles and abilities. I need to become more familiar with exactly when to apply each strategy so I may grow with my learners. I would also change my clarification in writing objectives relevant to diversity communication processes that reflect students’ values and beliefs perceived about learning.
Reference
Argosy University (2011). E6420: Multicultural Education in Contemporary Society:
Module2.www.myeclassonline.comwww.myeclassonline.com
Traci Lynn Patterson Blake
E6420 Dr. Yarbrough
M2A2
September 15, 2010
Outline strategies that teachers can use to handle race and ethnicity in a diverse classroom
There are various strategies that can be used to handle the race, cultural and ethnically in
diverse learners in classrooms. They entail using specifically student-oriented instructional
processes as well as choosing and delivering ethnically and culturally relevant material.
Culturally aware teachers use communication processes that reflect students’ values and beliefs
held about learning, the responsibilities of teachers, and the roles of students in school settings
Brown (2002). This would be considered a strategy of having the students feel proud of their
culture and at the same time, enlightening fellow classmates of differences.
One of the most important things to each child or adolescent in urban schools is the eagerness and ability of an instructor to genuinely touch each student’s social and emotional development. This can matter more than being taught the a,b,c’s and 1,2,3’s. Many Urban students may experience a greater need than suburban students for developing close relationships with teachers, due to lack of these figures at home. This need is based on possible feelings of
alienation, struggles with identity development, and what Dryfoos (1998) reported concerning
adolescents at risk who “lack nurturance, attention, supervision, understanding, and caring,” and
may have inadequate communication processes with adults in their homes (p. 37). This would be
considered a strategy of appealing to or touch ones’ emotions.
Have you personally implemented these strategies?
I have personally implemented both of these strategies over the course of my career. I have taught lesson plans which incorporated all of the holidays that are around what Americans refer to as Christmas time. The holidays I taught about were: Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Three-Kings Day and Ramadan, because it happened at that point in time on the calendar that year. I have taught lesson plans recounting nurturance and attention. These lesson plans encouraged:
· Creating a meaningful relationship with God or a higher power...
· Pinpointing and satisfying her or his current primary physical, bodily, and spiritual needs
(self- nurturance)
· Pinpointing and tolerating his or her personal limitations without whining, complaining, pretense, or having excessive shame, guilt, and anxiety
· Developing and enjoying her/his special spiritual gifts, talents, and life purpose.
How effective did you find them?
I found these strategies to be very affective. The effectiveness was evident through the responses of the learners. These strategies made the students more aware. I wished that I could be sure they appreciated knowing the differences. It is rewarding to know that the differences of others are appreciated.
References
Argosy University. (2010). E6420: Multi cultural education in contemporary society: Module 2.
www.myeclassonline.com
Brown, D. F. (2002). Becoming a successful urban teacher. Portsmouth, NH; Westerville,
OH: Heinemann and National Middle School Association.
Dryfoos, J. (1998). Safe passage: Making it through adolescence in a risky society. New
York: Oxford University Press.
