Tuesday, July 21, 2015

A to Z: Cultural Perspectives in Education

Vaughan M. Blaney
Director
BSc(UNB,Canada), BEd(UNB,Canada), TEFLA(University of Cambridge), MEd(HKU, Hong Kong)

Book: "A to Z: Cultural Perspectives in Education"

The Letter 'V'...





Vermicelli, rice, kimchi, balut
Potatoes, spaghetti, sushi, dim sum
Poutin rapee, curry, kærnemælkskoldskål
We all have our favourites – yum, yum

Variety is obvious in our class, still all can agree that we:
  • love to have fun when we are on vacation
  • value education
  • vow to do our best in class
  • have a ‘voice’ in the world
  • enjoy watching a cartoon video
  • have blood passing through our veins
  • feel a little fear when listening to vampire stories
  • believe in the importance of voting on issues
  • like to visit friends
  • know how to print the letter V

I teach an introductory graduate course titled Multicultural Perspectives with an enrolment of about 25 students per quarter. We explore ways in which race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, exceptionality, and social class collide and influence beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. My goal is to equip students with the foundational knowledge, attitudes, and abilities to work effectively in diverse communities …



Educators must create and nurture a sense of safety in controversy-driven courses before learning can happen. Creating a safe place that motivates students to take risks for their personal and professional growth involves at least seven elements: collegiality, empowerment, role modeling, preparation, shared purpose, reflection, and commitment. These elements are the building blocks of a safe classroom. They are prerequisites to a positive class atmosphere where students’ capacity to take risks are maximized. Each element is realized through a number of strategies which make the elements come alive.

Valerio, Nina L.

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