Benefits of Cultural Diversity in School

Recognizing the Community of Care

A. Selected Videos

1. “Building Classroom Community through the Study of Chinese Art and Culture,” second grade

2. “Determining the Influence of Media on American Culture and Stereotypes,” 12th grade

3. “Learning about Cultural Identity,” kindergarten

B. Video Observations

Incorporation of Individual Learners’ Needs

In the video on Chinese Art and Culture, the teacher incorporated cultural education by introducing students to different aspects of Chinese culture. This improved the students’ knowledge and created an inclusive environment for students of Chinese descent.

In the “Learning about Cultural Identity” video, the teacher facilitated activities that encouraged students to share about their own cultures, and that supported social interactions and mutual respect among students.

The video on media influence addressed the emotional impact of stereotypes, and helped students to understand their feelings and thoughts about how media portrays different cultures and groups.

Areas for Improvement

The teachers could enhance cultural representation by including more diverse perspectives and voices, so that all students see their cultures reflected in the curriculum.

Social needs could be better addressed by incorporating cooperative learning strategies that promote positive interdependence.

Emotional support could be strengthened by providing more resources and safe spaces for students to express their feelings and thoughts.

Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy Strategies

One would be inclusive curriculum, for integrating diverse cultures in the curriculum, as seen in the Chinese Art and Culture video.

Another would be critical media literacy, for teaching students to critically analyze media, as demonstrated in the video on media influence.

Application in Future Classroom