Today was a great eye-opener for me: I realized just how much I fail to notice the importance of getting to know more about the culture of Guam and the outer islands.
Our activities today consisted of getting to know our classmate's cultural experiences that I think are found only in the Micronesian islands. I felt kind of embarrassed reading the list and all I've actually experienced is to eat sushi... and I've really tried it just four years ago.
It makes me think of the students walking into my classroom and just how little I really know about their cultural background. I need to make a mental note to get to know more of their culture and heritage just so I could understand them a little bit better and as what Dr. Rivera said, it may help them trust you.
I also learned that I need to take the time to get to know more about the cultures of the students. This will help us to understand how to teach them and it will help us to gain their trust.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely do this for the next school year. Not only will it improve the classroom environment, but also build trust between the students.
ReplyDeleteI think the activity was an eye opener for everyone. That's the beauty of this class. We are able to leave each session with new strategies to use to make us stronger teachers and motivate engaged learners.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. We should engage more with our students to let them know that they can trust you and go to you for assistance.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great activity. Although I lived on this island my whole life I was only able to fill in 3 descriptors.Now I have to expand on my schema!
ReplyDeleteDiversity is so great just knowing there is a lot more to know about the different cultures.
ReplyDeleteDiversity is very present in our schools. We must adjust to become effective teachers.
ReplyDeleteI agree that I have to learn more about the cultures of our neighboring islands. I recall being stumped about where the rock money originated. I have yet to find the answer.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad Sheena,you're not the only one.I think we all need some help as far as the various languages that our students come with.Remember that even just the welcoming tone of your voice may ease transition for an incoming student.
ReplyDeleteYour picture made me hungry or think about "Benii's". On the other hand, I too had failed the test of how well really know our outer islanders.
ReplyDeleteWhereas, we know now that we need to develop our micronesian "schema"