Culture and Community
Discussion Questions What social groups are you a part of? What are some beliefs that you think are characteristic of your group? What are some behaviors/practices that you think are characteristic of your group?
One Definition of Culture System of rules that a group follows –Attitudes, values, beliefs, practices –Dynamic –Shared
Today’s Multicultural Classroom The Melting Pot Cultural deficit model Multicultural education alternatives
Is There Such a Thing As Race? Biologically? Socially?
What Do We Mean by Ethnicity? Groups that have a common nationality, culture, or language Not as stable as we think Heterogeneity Alternative labels available and varied meanings Multi-ethnic individuals
Three Aspects of Ethnicity Among Minority Groups Culture Ethnic identity Minority status
Achievement Gap Lower academic performance of African-American and Latino students The difference begins early in elementary school
Reasons for Gap: Biological? No evidence –Race is not a biological category –Use of IQ test cultural bias –Does not account for historical fluctuations
Cultural Differences? Practices Beliefs and values Oppositional peer culture
Being Part of Stigmatized Group? Accounts for historical fluctuations Social inequalities Perception of these inequalities
Inequality Prejudice Stereotypes Discrimination Resources Tracking Teacher expectations
Perception of Inequality Perception of discrimination Self-fulfilling prophecy Stereotype threat –Short-Term Effects: Test Performance –Long-Term Effects: Disidentification
Social Class & School Achievement SES wealth, power, and prestige Positive correlation: SES & achievement Related influences: –Poor health care –Low expectations –Tracking –Learned helplessness –Peer influences –Childrearing styles –Home environment and resources
Gender Differences in the Classroom
Gender Role Identity Gender versus sex Androgynous Gender schemas Gender-role stereotyping Gender bias in the curriculum Sex discrimination in schools
Bilingualism Two types Learn 2 languages at same time –Advantages Second language acquisition at later point –May be more difficult
Bilingual Education Submersion Immersion programs –Sheltered English Transitional bilingual education programs Maintenance or developmental bilingual programs Dual-language immersion
Goals for Cultural Compatibility Eliminate: –Racism –Sexism –Prejudice Incorporate: –Equal educational opportunities –Culturally friendly teaching strategies
Teaching Strategies Socialization Organization Learning Styles Sociolinguistics Culturally Relevant Pedagogy