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