Diversity

Synthesis - Diversity - [|Samantha] [|Nikki] [|Sara]

If, as a “mainstream white American” I cannot identify with my supposed learning style, then what can be said for the patterns determined for African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans? These sorts of generalizations keep our schools stagnant. There is a big difference between exploring culture with students and making them aware of the world around them, versus using their cultural backgrounds to predetermine how they will learn best. Perhaps the most disturbing part of this article for me was the suggestion that we go back in time and reinstate segregation. On page 451 the article states that “Many large city school systems are wrestling with the appropriateness of ethnically identified schools such as an African-American academy.” I may not be a social studies concentration, but I thought that the civil rights movements of the 1960’s did away with this sort of racially defined learning. If educators and schools are doing their jobs all students should be able to learn in the classroom with peers of any race, color or background. After all, if we start separating and defining education in this way then what else could we segregate? Will the Black children who “imitate the ‘hip’, ‘cool’ behavior of the culture in which they live” be deemed more suited for certain types of employment or further education (448)? What about Mexican Americans? Since they are all apparently “more comfortable with broad concepts” will they not be taught more in-depth factual data? (448). This article stresses the highly sensitive nature of this study and urges educators not to focus on the shortcomings of students, whether based on cultural background or other factors. While this is stated I don’t think it’s quite enough. I found this article to be full of generalizations and, if anything, it just stressed to me that differentiation in the classroom and an awareness of all learning styles will always go further then racially motivated instruction. While this article warned against making generalizations and drawing hasty conclusions, what good is that warning when those things are present in the text itself? I hope that I’m somehow missing the greater good of this article, but from my current interpretation I do not find it terribly useful or a positive influence on the teaching profession. || This article brought up some interesting ideas in relation to learning styles and cultures. I think that it is certainly important to know the background and cultures of the different students as an educator, but not to assume that specific cultures are going to all learn the same way. The research may show that specific cultures do have more success with certain instruction, but it would be wrong to assume, just as this article is saying. As mentioned, I think that it is very important to just take into consideration that you are going to have many different cultures and not to assume that they will learn a specific way, but to just keep an open mind and make sure you use several different instructional strategies. || This article asks important questions like “Do students of the same culture have common learning style patterns and characteristics?” and “If they do, how would we know it?” These questions can be very controversial because even though students maybe from the same background, it does not mean that they have the same learning styles as each other or the same as other students from the same culture. Every student should be looked at as an individual. The article does generalize some typical learning patterns from some cultures. For example, Mexican Americans are comfortable with cognitive generalities and patterns, while African Americans value oral experience, physical activity, and loyalty in interpersonal relationships. Native Americans develop acute visual discrimination and skills in the use of imagery, perceive globally, and have reflective thinking patterns. Mainstream white Americans value independence, analytic thinking, objectivity, and accuracy. The point I liked the most in the article was about our tendency toward instructional pendulum swings, meaning one day it’s this technique for everyone, then the next it’s another, then back again. With a full understanding of culture and learning styles it is easy to see that this contradicts the ideas that we are also trying to make successful. If a technique works for some students, that doesn’t mean apply it to all students. The best way to accommodate for different learning styles is to get to know every student personally. I believe if you get to know them well enough the cultural characteristic on learning styles will appear on their own. ||
 * **Name** || **Abstract** || **Reflection** ||
 * Brann Meghan || This article brought many things to light that we as teachers might think about but not always put much detailed thought into once we have started our profession. We as future teachers need to continuously be aware of our student’s background at home and as a learner. Being that most of us will go one to be teachers in Maine we need to take very close consideration to the information given to us from this article. Yes in Maine the dominate ethnic group is the middle class white person but we need to be open to changing our teaching styles because we will not always have the same middle class white class. The article brought up nature vs. nurture and students being socialized in different patterns then the school expects. These are just a few of the diversity differences that may occur outside of someone being from a different race and or culture. When the article brought up the issues of application of a persons “culture and learning styles” their points were that all people are different, that students accomplishments will be affected, we as teachers also need to step out of our own teaching from our own culture box and finally how to apply our findings without overreacting, to keep a balance in the schools. (Pg. 450-1) These are all very valid points and need to be worked on in a diligent manor. || Being that this is my last year here at UMF I have spent time already reading, talking and thinking about the diversity in my future classrooms. This article though made me think about it in a different light. My favorite quote was, “A teacher who truly understands culture and learning styles and who believes that all students can learn, one way or another, can offer opportunities for success to all students.” (Pg. 452) That quote makes me see from my practicum days just how many teachers in the school systems today give up on their students and don’t think they can learn just because they learn in a different pattern then the “normal” student. I am not saying all teachers gave up and or into the pressures some would just get over frustrated with the students and not put the little bit of extra effort into the student. I think the most common diversity that we will interact with in Maine is the socioeconomic differences we have here. Most of us will teach in rural public schools and will see this diversity first hand. I grew up in a school system where there was socioeconomic differences and a lot of the students who were at the disadvantaged economic end were not given the same chances I were being in the middle. It makes me as a future teacher a little upset to think some of the teachers whom I loved didn’t reach out and stood by and let certain students fail. I hope I never allow my blinders to be put on to this sort of situation. ||
 * Brissette Samantha || The article //The Culture/ Learning Style Connection: Educating for Diversity// focused on the fact that there are differences in the learning styles and the emphasis on learning in different cultures. The article goes back and forth on whether teachers should focus and teach to these differences or not, and arrives at no definable conclusion. It does present accepted truths, such as that there are visible differences in cultures, but that there are differences between all individuals; and they present arguments from both sides on whether we as educators should devote our energy teaching to these differences. They article concludes by stating that education has a tendency to go from one extreme to the other and apply one thing that works to every student, and that perhaps a moderate combination and the realization that these differences exist is the best course for now. || There was nothing the article stated that I could disagree with, it stayed effectively neutral and really did not present an argument or even a very new idea. The fact that students have different learning styles seems obvious to me, every student is an individual, and as such they are different. Even members of the same cultural background are going to have differences. ||
 * Davis Christine || Guild argues that different cultures differ in their learning style patterns and characteristics. Noting the controversy of labeling different cultures as having tendencies towards specific learning styles, he continues in his article to outline the ways in which it has been proven that culture and ways of learning are linked. Referring to results from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and other formal assessments, as well as direct discussion, Guild states that the two are indeed directly related, and “warns that ignoring the effects of culture and learning styles would depress learning among nonmainstream students”. (Guild 449) The article claims that type development begins at an early age and that the traits are inherent to the individual, and in being such it becomes even more important that the school or teacher accommodate the student, rather than requiring the student to conform to the classroom’s practices. || While I can see what Guild is trying to say, and his generalizations about how specific cultures learn are not something I haven’t heard before, I still feel that this issue is somewhat controversial due to the fine line between observing styles and executing accommodations that are appropriate, and making sweeping generalizations and stereotyping students. After having read this I feel that while I understand the importance of recognizing learning types and that there are many theories that apply to culture and learning type, it is of the utmost importance to keep in mind that while these generalizations are often applicable, it is important not to lock students into assumed learning styles based on their culture. I found it interesting that the generalized learning style preference for white Americans was evocative of the “typical” or “traditional” American classroom, which shows how much the white population has been catered to and opens doors for thought regarding the struggle of the minority populations to be successful in school and the success of the majority. If we cater to the learning styles of white Americans, then they will continue to dominate not only the K-12 school system, but also colleges and universities and the white-collar workplace. It is therefore very important that we accommodate all learning styles if it is indeed true that the minority cultures (who are quickly shifting into the majority) of our nation are not catered to in our current classrooms, it is necessary for us to begin to do so in an effort to ensure the success of these future generations. We need to educate all children even if it means catering our teaching to their styles, because expecting students to accommodate our teaching style will leave us truly teaching very few of our students. ||
 * Gergosian Katharine || This article was about the correlation between diversity and learning styles. It highlighted the research done to examine the similarities and differences between cultures and learning styles. The research was done in three ways: through observation, data and discussion. This information was then simplified and presented to make educators aware of these findings and how this information impacts students in our classrooms. This article touches upon the controversy surrounding this sort of study and concludes that, although the issues facing educators are sensitive and controversial, an awareness of cultural learning styles and diversity stand to help and not hinder a student’s growth. || To be perfectly honest, I did not really agree with much of what this article had to say. While reading I found myself hoping that the biases presented were as a result of this article’s research being conducted 15+ years ago and not a reflection of today’s standards for education. Personally, I believe that education should be about differentiating instruction for students individual learning styles, but I do not agree that learning styles are an issue of race. If I took this article at face value it tells me that, as a “mainstream whit American” I value “independence, analytical thinking, objectivity and accuracy.” (448). Apparently, if that is true, my heritage and the color of my skin also predetermine that my educational experience will be best framed by competition, testing, and linear logic. It is interesting to note that these core focal points and sweeping generalizations are exactly what drove me out of public education as a child.
 * Goodrow Megan || This reading focused on the connection between culture and learning styles. In this article there is the controversy of assuming that students with the same culture are going to have the same learning styles but that it could lead to stereotyping. The idea of knowing each student, including their background and culture is emphasized because of the importance in using several different teaching strategies. According to this article, research has shown a connection between learning style and culture. For example, Native American people generally do better with classrooms that include new information and allow time to think in a quiet environment and use visual stimuli. Another example, which is most common in American schools, is an emphasis on competition, information, tests, grades, and linear logic. This article also discusses the different tools for determining different learning styles. One of these is known as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which determines different learning styles patterns from basic perceptual and judging traits. The main point throughout this article is whether or not teachers should try to use the information on how different cultures emphasize specific traits to plan activities or if that is going to be considered stereotypical. || 
 * Hebert Justin || This article by Pat Guild seeks to explain patterns between development within a culture and learning styles. The article notes that most experts agree that the culture a student grows up in will have an impact on their strengths in styles of learning as well as their academic success. For example, many agree that students from Mexican backgrounds are more likely to seek out a personal relationship with their teacher and tend to be more inclined to broad concepts rather than specifics. The article points out that though there are general patterns in learning style based on cultural background it can be difficult to find any generalizations that don't contain exceptions to these rules. Because of this, some experts believe that further research into these matters simply contributes to stereotyping the groups it attempts to understand. There are however many who believe that research into cultural learning styles could help tease out the debate about whether nature or nurture plays a greater role in determining how a student will learn. || Personally, i do think that investigation into these topics could be used to help understand the relationship between nature and nurture in regard to individual learning. However, I think the impact that this information could have on successful education would be minimal. As the article points out in it's closing moments, there are many students who do well scholastically despite difficulties such as difference in style between the students learning style and the teachers transmission. Though understanding student learning can always be beneficial what we already know seems to have the most weight. We know that students tend to perform best for competent, caring and passionate teachers. ||
 * Howard Nikki || This article focuses on the importance of diversity, and the fact that as educators, we will face it everyday in the classroom. Some of the diversity issues are controversial, due to stereotyping or other “achievement differences” that have been presented in the past. There are several connections between culture and the way that a student learns, included how they were taught the basics by their parents, language, and their preferred method to learning something new. Culture is an important piece in explaining the different cognitive styles of students, as well as performance patterns. Classroom expectations, teaching lessons, and learning styles will all be influenced greatly by the culture and the diversities that are present in any given classroom. || I found this article to be very useful in reminding us that we need to be aware of the diversity that is present our classroom; this comes in to play with designing performance tasks and other assessments. As educators, if we do not take diversity and culture into mind, certain students outside of the dominant culture may be left behind, feel left out, and their grades will suffer because of it. It is the educator’s responsibility to take every student into account. In this article, I especially liked the piece on how most researchers believe that learning styles are a function of BOTH nature and nurture. ||
 * Killam Kathleen ||=  ||
 * = I believe that it is very important for teachers to know about the culture of all of their students, but I feel like it is more important for teachers to treat every single student like an individual and walk into the classroom knowing that no two students are going to learn the same way. The article says “In both observational and data-based research on cultures, one consistent finding is that, within a group, the variations among individuals are as great as their commonalities.” This means that with students from the same background, the teacher is going to have to do just as many things the same as different. So why does culture even matter? There’s no written rule saying that two students from different cultures can’t have the same learning styles. As long as teachers understand the culture and learning styles of their students and believe that every student can learn in their own way, everyone will succeed. ||
 * Minor Maria || In this article, the author presents the theory that culture may influence a student’s learning style. There has been a lot of controversy over this issue because it involves a generalization about a specific group of people, when it is apparent that not everyone in that group is going to learn the same way. Some authors believe that describing cultures has resulted in more stereotyping and can lead to a differentiated and segregated approach to the curriculum. However, there is a definite relationship between the culture in which children live and their ideal ways of learning. Research has found that Mexican Americans regard family and personal relationships as important. This explains why “Mexican-American students often seek a personal relationship with a teacher and are more comfortable with broad concepts” (p.448). African-American students are said to value oral experiences, physical activity, and loyalty in interpersonal relationships. These characteristics “call for classroom activities that include approaches like discussion, active projects, and collaborative work”. Also, it is found that Native-American people usually value and develop acute visual discrimination and skills in the use of imagery, perceive globally, and have reflective thinking patterns. To meet their learning styles, a school should “establish a context for new information, provide quiet times for thinking, and emphasize visual stimuli”. Whether the culture and learning style connection theory is accepted or not, teachers from all backgrounds and cultures will have to work consistently to provide opportunities for all learners. || I think the culture and learning style connection is a theory that requires more research because there are so many other things that could determine a student’s learning style. The article should be updated because a lot of the information is from the 1980’s, so I would like to hear what the new research has to say on the connection between culture and learning styles. I also wonder if they have included Asian-Americans, or any other cultures, as well. One statement in the article that I support is: “Using information about culture and learning styles in sensitive and positive ways will help educators value and promote diversity in all aspects of the school” (p.452). Teachers who can understand that students learn in many different ways for different reasons, including our culture, can lead students to academic success. ||
 * Serrantino Jessica || In “The Culture/Learning Style Connection: Educating for Diversity,” by Pat Guild, the importance of knowing ones students and understanding their different learning styles is discussed. Guild discusses how there are too many generalizations in education, and we as teachers need to work to understand each culture to put a stop to these generalizations. Guild did a study observing Mexican Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and white Americans. She notes how there was a link between members of each group and their learning styles. For example, most Native Americans preferred quiet time in the classroom, while most African Americans preferred group discussions. Guild also emphasizes on the importance of acting on new methods of teaching different learning styles. More often than not, teachers recognize the need to diversify in the classroom, but rarely act upon this need themselves. Guild brings up issues of being over sensitive and stereotyping our students, along with the question of whether teachers can really relate to their student when they are coming from different cultures. However, while there are issues to be sorted out, it is still important for teachers to really work through the issues to understand their students and their learning styles. || I liked most of what Guild had to say. I really agree that it is important to understand our students and their learning styles if we want them to succeed in school and life. I could connect with a lot of what Guild discussed. For example, under the debates section of the article, point three questions how teachers can relate to their students when their cultures are so different. One goal of mine as a teacher is to work in a culturally diverse schools, so I worry about being able to connect to my students when I really don’t know what their lives entail. I definitely agreed with Guild on the importance of understanding our students and really getting to know them and their learning styles. Not everyone learns the same way, so it is our job as teachers to figure out how to help our students learn. ||
 * Trexler Sarah || This article discusses the impact that culture plays in the classroom environment, especially in regards to learning style. The author discusses the importance of not making generalizations about a culture. Learning something about a couple of students does not mean that the same information applies across the board. There are a variety of tests that can be administered in order to prove that there is a link between culture and learning style. Some examples include observations, data based descriptions, and direct discussions. There are five main points that educators can agree on: 1. all students have various strengths when it comes to learning. 2. The preferred learning style of individual students is a product of both nature and nurture. 3. Learning styles can all be used effectively when applied appropriately. 4. There are variations of learning styles even within cultural groups. 5. There is a conflict between the culture of individual students and their learning experiences in school. There are some disagreements when it comes to this issue as well. People disagree as to whether or not culture-learning styles affect achievement. Also, individuals question whether or not it is important to learn more information about various cultures. || I think this article is interesting. This is because the author is telling us that there are differences in learning styles within different cultures. But this should have already been obvious to us as we know that there are variations in learning styles within our own culture. Which should mean we could apply that thinking to students from other cultures. I think it is interesting that they had to tell us that there are as many variations within a specific culture as there are similarities. To me, this is one of those statements that is extremely obvious. But, I can relate that to the advice that George Polya gives on solving problems. We know what to do, but we don’t always think about it, or use what we know. I also think it is important to understand, as a teacher, that we cannot simply rely on our strengths and learning preferences. We have a variety of individuals we are trying to reach, and we need to work with them in areas of their strengths as well. This will then allow all of us to work on our areas of weaknesses. For me, it is important to build upon the strengths because when you allow an individual to excel, often times their self esteem will rise. This in turn will make them more willing to take risks and to possibly try working on their areas of weaknesses without the fear of failure. But the other important piece this article hits upon is the fact that there is simply not one right way to do something. I think it is important to remember that. ||
 * Whitehead Evan || This article mainly concerns itself with the relationship between diversity and learning styles, especially with regards to cultural diversity. Oddly enough, the author felt the need to reinforce the fact that issues of race and culture are controversial, and even admitted to stating obvious information when introducing the connection between culture and learning. However, there is an odd balance struck in this territory, because even though many points are commonly agreed upon, any matters involving race tend to be potentially scandalous, making many people wary of discussion. Several differing opinions are then offered on approaching culture as it pertains to learning. Some believe that it should be a key component of differentiation, others feel that overestimation of this aspect could distract from other fundamentals of education. Nonetheless, it is generally agreed upon that even though it is a sensitive issue, the interaction of culture and learning is one that should be addressed. || I agree with many points made in this article in theory only. While I do see a strong correlation between culture and learning habits, the article frequently uses concepts of "culture" and "race" interchangeably. To be blunt, I find this offensive. An urban African-American youth may have more in common with his/her Caucasian classmates than anything, and to assume otherwise is not only asking for trouble, but possibly a lawsuit as well. In many places, the author either assumed that the reader already agreed with the points made, or states information that is self-aware of its own pointlessness. On the other hand, I do appreciate one concession made to common sense towards the end of the piece, even if stated as a single opinion in a sea of many. This point being that there is no magic bullet of education. That is to say, even if you perfectly differentiate (regardless of how) for your students' needs, that does not guarantee that the class' problems will be solved. Even if one were to understand all of the social factors in a students life, compensate for exceptionalities, and tailor one's lessons, that student still might not succeed. Depressing though it may be, I feel that this is an important truth in education. ||
 * Wyman Sara || The debate about the relationship between culture and learning styles is a very controversial topic. The idea that all students learn differently is made even more complicated by throwing in the idea that individual’s cultures have an effect on their learning styles as well. Therefore, many ideas have been raised about educating teachers on cultural diversity. The issue here is that there is a thin line between using people connected by cultural characteristics and stereotyping a specific culture. There are many ways in which is it obvious that culture and learning styles are connected, but that doesn’t mean every one from a certain culture will show the exact same learning styles. As the debate continues, the important thing to remember is that all children learn differently, whether due to culture or just individually and as teachers we much accommodate for all those different styles. || The most important part of this debate to me is that all students are being taught in a way that best fits their learning style. I do believe that culture can influence ones learning style. The article brought up the idea of educating teaches on particular cultural values and expectations. Although the information could be useful in some cases, it would allow stereotypes, even unnoticed ones, to enter the classroom.