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democracy and education analysis
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The purpose of schools today is, unfortunately, to create a well-trained rather than well-educated workforce. However, the true purpose of schooling should be to educate all students equitably, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc., so that they can use logic and reasoning to make informed decisions (Spring, 6). Teachers are at the frontline in the struggle to create well-educated citizens within a diverse and democratic society. This essay will examine the criteria needed to create the ideal citizen of a diverse and democratic society, as well as how I as an educator plan to integrate and promote democracy and diversity in my teaching practices. In order to promote diversity and democracy it is important to first define these terms. Diversity is that which is inherent in all humans. It is composed of the major and minor, physical and intangible differences that make us all individuals. It is a concept which invades every aspect of life: it is seen on the global scale in the differences between various nations (democratic vs. communist governments vs. dictatorships vs. monarchies), on the national level it is seen in the different groups/categories of people who make up American society (ex. White-non Hispanic, Hispanic, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Other), on the local level diversity is seen from one neighborhood to another (Ypsilanti vs. Ann Arbor), or even from one student to another within the classroom. Thus the concept of diversity applies to everyone. Diversity is not some distant issue to be dealt with by political committees and sub-committees. Its importance lies in the fact that it is and always will be a local, personal concern. It is a concept that all people must face al... ... middle of paper ... ...ho would discuss with the students their backgrounds, or beliefs and how these differences affect the students within and without the classroom. Works Cited Barber, Benjamin R. "Public Talk and Civic Action: Education for Participation in a Strong Democracy," Social Education, Volume 53, Number 6, Oct 1989. Beane, James A. and Michael W. Apple. "The Case for Democratic Schools." Democratic Schools. Ed. Michael W. Apple and James A. Beane. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 1995. 1-25. Crittendon, Jack. "The Rise of Liberal Democracy." Democracy's Midwife: an education in deliberation. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2002. Kohn, Alfie. Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall, 1996. Spring, Joel. "The Purposes of Public Schooling." American Education (9th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2000. 3-27.
Diversity shapes the world we live in. Diversity can be defined as people coming together from different nationalities, races, religions, cultures, sexes, and genders to form a group, organization or community. With diversity comes both positive and negative factors, especially to those who fail to understand its value. Today, most people view diversity as an overall good thing because it allows people the chance to experience something different, gain a new perspective on life, and it influences understanding, clarity, and knowledge outside of what we are normally accustomed to. On the other hand, in social institutions such as education, religion, family or economy one may face certain consequences for being different. With diversity comes
Since diversity is so vital for all free nations, it can also be said that diversity education is essential for the citizens of these nations. Without diversity education, people forgo the opportunity to broaden their horizons through the myriad of ideas and thoughts that exist in ...
Diversity in the classrooms will give students access to experience other cultures and learn about one another. The different races effect how varied their backgrounds might be, and it will help the teacher engage a variety of ways to manage course material (Packard, 2017). According to Packard, it is up to the teacher to help spread the learning of diversity and use it to their advantage in their classroom. Throughout the years, diversity have grown in the classrooms, but the struggle of segregation continues.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated, “Most…think that education should equip them with the proper instruments of exploitation so that they can forever trample over the masses. Still others think that education should furnish them with noble ends rather than means to an end.” What Dr. King was getting at in The Purpose of Education is that education holds many different values for many different people. How can we go about determining one standard value of a college education for a country so recognized for its diversity? Also, is it really true that everyone in our divergent society has an equal opportunity to attend a university? We cannot ignore the fact that the characteristics that separate us will ultimately have a profound impact on both our individual opportunities for and values of a university education.
The U.S. Department of the Interior, describes the term "diversity" is used broadly to refer to many demographic variables, including, but not limited to, race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, geographic origin, and skill characteristics. America's diversity has given this country its unique strength, resilience and richness. (doi.gov)
Diversity in classrooms is both positive and negative. However, if teachers are provided with the right resources and keep a open mind, their students can become successful civil human beings.
There has been a major change in the past thirty years regarding the amount of immigrants coming to the United States. The impact the immigrants have had on education and diversity is unbelievable. There are many factors which contribute to the element of diversity in education, such as each student 's culture, the different languages each student speaks, promoting gender equality amongst students, and working with students who have exceptionalities. As today 's educators, teachers must understand diversity from an omniscient perspective and the influence it has on students, making the process of getting an education as equal and pleasant as possible for all students.
Diversity is a notion, when applied to the majority of circumstances, can create a positive conclusion. The trick to producing a positive outcome is often how the different aspects are brought together. Consider a classic dinner combination peas and carrots, the two colors look appealing and the two flavors comes together as one making a superb side dish. Now consider oil and water, these two substance are not often considered a good combination. Although, this is not always the case; olive oil and vinegar (which is water based) when mixed, come together into a delectable salad dressing. Diversity and inclusion should also apply to humans by bringing people together who are different it can creates a whole that is enhanced by the uniqueness of each individual.
Public education in itself is predisposed to be diverse in some shape, whether it be economic, academic, racial or social status, anything public is considered colorful in attribute. The American school system is diverse in itself, for example the educational culture in the East coast is far more revered and acknowledged to the public rather than the midwest. These differences cannot be glossed over, they need to be acknowledged with the respect. I believe the purpose of education is to address the world’s inequalities and differences, and as a society grow and learn from them. I will draw on the Rubin, the Anyon, and the Lee articles to support my argument.
As we proceed further into the 21st century, multiculturalism becomes more relevant to obtaining a truly global society. Dr. James A. Banks defines the meaning of multicultural education and its potential impact on society when it is truly integrated into American classrooms. In his lecture, Democracy, Diversity and Social Justice: Education in a Global Age, Banks (2006) defines the five dimensions of multicultural education that serve as a guide to school reform when trying to implement multicultural education (Banks 2010). The goal of multicultural education is to encourage students to value their own cultures and the diverse cultures of those around them without politicizing their differences but rather, as Banks passionately explains in his lecture, “to actualize the ideals stated in the Constitution” (2006) forming “civil, moral, and just communities.”
A strong understanding of diversity should be the foundation of all classrooms within a higher educational setting, like that of Columbia College Chicago. Diversity should not only be considered as the varying amount of racial/ethnic groups within a classroom, but also the varying experiences and histories of each person. The narrative freedom gained through diversity may allow for personal and historical connections that are often overlooked by textbooks and traditional education to be discovered. By examining the diverse nature of both students and teachers, education can be revolutionized. Common threads in history can be questioned, untold stories, told and empowerment through education, gained.
The world is currently undergoing a cultural change, and we live in an increasingly diverse society. This change is not only affect the people in the community but also affect the way education is viewed. Teaching diversity in the classroom and focusing multicultural activities in the programs can help improve positive social behavior in children. There is no question that the education must be prepared to embrace the diversity and to teach an increasingly diverse population of young children.
Teachers must engage students with information that will help to change attitudes towards refugees and people from diverse cultures through collaborative learning models such as group with students from different backgrounds. Interviewing members of the community brings cultural knowledge and understanding, (Harrison & Greenfield, (2011, para. 2). Changes in education must be evident institutionally, personally and instructionally to have an impact on the integration of diverse nationalities in Australian education systems.
The concept of diversity in schools is supposed to ensure that students have equal and free access to educational institutions despite their race, economic or social background. It means understanding that each is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. Kozol realized that schools in the United States were not constituent in a diverse manner that the country was. He realized that many schools had students who belonged to a similar ethnicity or race, social and economic standards. He did this through investigations and fact finding to note what ailed the system. He also found out the factor that caused the disparity in the schools. At length, his letter has been used to give recommendations on how the schools should adapt to the
In this era of globalization, diversity is a phenomenon that is common throughout the world. Nations have become diversified based on race, ethnicity, culture, religion and political affiliations. There is beauty and strength in diversity. Diversity can bring great benefits to a country if nurtured and cherished by people who are concerned about living harmoniously with each other. How can we nurture and cherish harmony within diversity?