REFLECTIONS

Studying culture and cultural diversity has become a very important part of the social studies curriculum.  In the every expanding “melting pot” of a society, it no longer serves the needs of the students only to study social studies through the eyes of dead white Europeans.  Social Studies teachers must try to incorporate many different cultures in their curriculums.  Incorporating different cultures into the classroom will allow students of all background feel that they are a part of history.

In planning for my classes, I have tried to take in as many different points of view as possible.  Although all lessons do not incorporate different cultures or address cultural diversity, it is important to try to incorporate them in every lesson possible.  This may require more work; however, students deserve to learn about different cultures, especially their own.  I feel that I have taken the extra time needed to try and make everyone feel that his or her cultures are important and relevant in the studying of American history.

It is very important to incorporate different cultures into the learning environment.  Too much de facto segregation is occurring in schools across the country.  Teachers must take the first step toward cultural acceptance.  Teachers are not in schools just to teach their specific content areas; rather, their job is to help teach students how to survive in the real world.  Most of what students learn in school will be forgotten after its usefulness has dissipated.  However, if a teacher can help students to see through the racial/cultural lines in society, they will have taught the students how to be color blind in a society where it seems that people only see color.

I will continue to try and educate students about different cultures and cultural diversity.  It is important to keep reading and learning as much as possible about the different cultures that inhabit the school system so that no one culture is left out of the educational process.  I have also found that the students are a great resource, especially dealing with a culture that you are unfamiliar with.  Do not hesitate to ask a student of a different culture if they could talk to you or the class about what it means to be a part of that particular culture.  It is important to remember that we are not only teaching white students, so we should not only teach from a white perspective.  Open up your mind and teach multiple perspectives so that students will truly be educated and will be prepared to enter the real world.