Human Diversity in Education: An Integrative Approach, 4/e

Kenneth H. Cushner, Kent State University, Kent
Averil McClelland, Kent State University, Kent
Philip Safford, Case Western Reserve University

Classrooms and Schools as Cultural Crossroads

Reflective Questions


1		Reflect on the eighteen culture-general themes introduced in this chapter. These themes are meant to identify issues that people are likely to encounter when interacting with people different from themselves. Using the following sentence as a starting point, fill in the blank with each of the eighteen themes and answer the questions accordingly. "Can you think of a time when ______ was evident in your life or in interactions with others? How might this have interfered with your ability to function effectively? When might it be an asset to you?"



2		Interview a student and/or family who has moved here from another country. What experiences can they recall about their cultural adjustment to a new land? What have you learned from them about their experience that would assist you as a teacher?



3		Reflect on the acculturation groups discussed in the chapter. What are some needs that would be similar and different among students who were immigrants, refugees, minority group members, members of an indigenous group, or short-term sojourners (such as year-abroad foreign exchange students)?



4		Locate a newspaper article that makes reference to cultural conflict in a school or community. How can you apply the eighteen-theme cultural-general framework to better understand the dynamics at play?

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