I believe Ladson-Billings has hit the nail on the head with cultural competence. We should all consider who our students are and what background they come from. In fact, not considering these items will almost certainly lead to failure to reach students. It should be noted as well that the other videos had some key points. White culture and definitely different than black culture and we should realize this on all levels. Many educators teach to the predominant white middle-class and this is problematic for most. So, to look upon a classs of students, we should value and explore what they bring to the table and utilize the opportunity to help them see their full academic potential.
I agree that cultural competence is important in effective teaching and communicating. I like your comment about exploring what students bring to the table and considering how we can utilize their individuality to help them succeed. I think that teachers sometimes focus on what they have to offer students and do not consider what students have to offer teachers, peers, and themselves. Students have a wealth of knowledge, skills, and creativity that could benefit any classroom.
ReplyDeleteMs. Simmons,
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right. Often times, teachers focus on the deficits of students. This is definitely not a way to communicate effectively with anybody. I believe that every teacher should get to know every student in some way. I am not saying that it is possible to know everything about every student, but it is possible to make connections to students by getting to know them personally. After all, they are children and they look up to teachers, regardless of whether the teacher or students believe this.
I really like what you have to say about viewing the culural differences of our students as a positive. Every student can add something new and unique to the classroom. As a teacher, it is our job to change our thinking from this is my classroom, to this is the classroom of the students and their viewpoint is important. That really allows the students to be themselves, and opens up the classroom as a safe environment.
ReplyDeleteSbosarge,
ReplyDeleteI believe many of the issues that teachers face are issues related to not becoming familiar with those who they are teaching. Every school has a teacher that feels the need to own their classroom, but we as educators should look beyond our classroom ownership and make the students stakeholders in the classroom. When students feel comfortable and welcomed, they are more likely to make efforts towards achievement. Students must be given the chance to succeed and they must be able to feel comfortable expressing themselves. If students feel they are a part of the whole class then they will be more willing to engage their own thoughts and the thoughts of others in a meaningful way.