Diversity and Culture in Learning

I enjoyed reading Jenny Michaels thoughts regarding the differences in learning in Eastern verses Western cultures.  I would like to add that in Eastern thought, the entire being is engaged in learning; this concept is not as common in western cultures and and western thought.  However, because many students come to us from different backgrounds and social construct, it is critical that we incorporate these elements into our classroom instruction.  As educators we must model for students what it looks like to have genuine respect for culture and different ways of thinking.  One way we can accomplish this task is to celebrate customs, traditions and cultures in a way that fosters appreciation and understanding.

In the video below, the message to instructors doing what it takes to  "mind the gap" is broached.  There are many gaps that may be present in our students' learning and understanding their culture is a way of helping to bridge any "gaps" that may exist in the learning process.  There are multiple methods that instructors can use to integrate cultural perspective into their courses.  A few of those include: using multicultural literature, honoring cultural celebrations and giving students an opportunity to share information about their cultures.   As the video points out, as educators we must ask ourselves, how are we minding the gap?