Entry 5: Due: September 22, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Tonight's topic was on diversity. We had some pretty uncomfortable, but very real, moments in our discussions of stereotypes, prejudices, and biases. How did this make you feel? Were you surprised at all by the class responses to my questions? Reflecting on your own thoughts, ideals, and practices, where do you go from here? Did the conversation make you stop and ponder? How do you handle this type of discussion in your own classroom?
Last night’s class was very uncomfortable. With honesty, each student shot out her thoughts on a topic given by Dr. Duncan. Although this activity was awkward, I believe it was very valuable. It gave students a chance to realize their own prejudices and stereotypes towards different races, genders, social classes, and ethnicity. In all honesty, I was surprised at how honest we all were in response to Dr. Duncan’s questions. I expected people to remain quiet (embarrassed to express their true thoughts). If this occurred, the lesson would have been much less valuable (if valuable at all). From honest thoughts throughout the conversation, I think many students in the class realized how bad we (as human beings) stereotype others. I think the thing that most surprised me was that no one (including myself) said “smart” when Dr. Duncan said “teachers are __________.” This alone proves a big point. As a future educator, it is important to become aware of my own prejudices and judgments; this will help me figure out what I need to work on before teaching students of my own. I hope to teach my students to appreciate and respect diversity in the classroom, society, and world. In order to instill this in my future students, I will make sure my lessons incorporate many different aspects of Banks & Banks 2009 model: contributions, additive, transformation, and social action approaches. It is important to really allow students to see things from another person’s perspective. Although we have different skin colors, gender, ethnicities, and cultures, we are all human beings underneath the skin we wear.
It's a very eye-opening activity every time I use it. I was pleased that we have a comfortable learning environment where everyone can speak freely. It's not until we identify our inner thoughts and issues, no matter how negative, that we can move forward and begin to make changes. I'm glad you will be an advocate for intelligent teachers :) and incorporate the model discussed in our text.
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