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6/11/19 W08 Deep Culture

This week I read a paper by Professor Ivers. It was written for teachers on how to incorporate more diverse culture into the classroom. First, the article mentions why we would want to teach others, especially young children, more about culture and diversity. I really appreciate how the author relates it to world history instead of just saying that people perform better in school or they're more successful academically. The history of the world shows the success of the cultures that were willing to learn from and adapt to new cultures and innovations. I think about how the ancient Romans would absorb the languages, religions, innovations, and knowledge from the nations they conquered. I used to make fun of them for that...like they didn't have their own culture they just took others...but I guess in this context part of what made them the powerhouse that they were was this ability to absorb and take what they want from each culture.

The article suggests 4 ways that a teacher could give students more cultural exposure. He says talking to students about different cultures gestures, manners, expressivity, and telling personal stories are all ways to broaden their understanding of other people. Teaching these things helps children see more about a foreign place than just what they eat or what tourists see. It also prepares them to consider the fact that what initially seems threatening or disrespectful can be interpreted another way.

It occurs to me that the 4 things that Prof Ivers mentions are also the 4 things I've been watching videos on. I know that this is on purpose. I am a student too--why wouldn't it also be beneficial for me to know that other people have different paradigms than I do. Especially, if I am going to be a teacher of people from other cultures then I need to be prepared to share the world with my students. This includes helping my students see the world as a 3-dimensional place full of multi-faceted people.

I think I will incorporate these things about other cultures into my curriculum. I want my students to have the opportunity to see the world in a different light. I have really enjoyed listening to Prof Ivers classes and learning what he has to say teaching people from all around the world.

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