It is the case that most teachers are white and predominantly female. With this being the case, many teachers encounter difficulty when teaching young, African American male students. However, many white female teachers do not recognize that white students and white people are privileged. Often times, since this can be the case, many white female teachers unintentionally undermine multicultural education by doing a flash card misrepresentation of different cultures. How can this be avoided? Do you believe teachers need to stay abreast of multicultural issues in addition to his/her roles as a teacher? Can a teacher teach effectively without considering the background of his/her students?
No, teachers must take into consideration of the student population in one's class. Becuase not all cultures accept a handshake as a form of greeting, or look directly in your eyes when speaking to. When you as a teacher take an interest in your students, they too will take an interest in you and what you have to say. Being a male teacher, I think we will be easily sought out by students white or black, male or female, as some form of paternal guidance. Which I think is rather cool because everyone needs someone to talk to and help strategize their life.
ReplyDeleteThose were my thoughts initially as well Mr. Mixon. Teacher must be able to address the social needs of all students. Let's face it: it is the sign of the times we live in. Students bring their bookbags (if they have one) and a whole number of social issues into the classroom. I agree with you that it is quite cool to be a male teacher and to be able to step up and be a mentor (and not through athletics being a coach, although that is alright too).
ReplyDeletePoint well taken Sir.
I think that teachers should always consider the multicultural difference when it comes to their planning for the curriculum. However, every topic and discussion does not require a reference to every culture. There is not enough time in a class period to go over culture for every piece of content. It's about how the instruction is being presented. How the students learn the content, not so much how the content is related to a particular culture.
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