In our first class, we came up with our own definition of the word "culture" as a class. This topic and its definition was so much more deep than I had ever imagined! Until our discussion, I did not realize how many aspects of culture there are and how essential each one is to the definition of culture. Here are some aspects of culture that we decided are essential to its definition, as a class:
- social norms
- the arts (this includes music)
- cuisine
- apparel
- beliefs
- traditions
In our class definition, we said that culture is the growth and development of all of these things put together in our society. One thing that we did not include in our definition that I wish that we would have is that it isn't just the growth and development of all of these things, but also, simply the existence of these things. To me, culture is social norms, the arts, cuisine, apparel, beliefs, and traditions all tied together into their existence. I don't think it necessarily has to be the growth and development of all of these things all of the time, but it can just be what it is and how it exists.
It's very important to integrate culture in the classroom. This is because of diversity. There will always be diversity in the classroom, and it is our job as educators to approach it in a friendly way and make all of our students feel like their culture is valued when they step into our classrooms!
EDUC 410
In our first class, we discussed the syllabus and the semester at a glance, but we really talked about what this class is really all about-- integration and assessment, their importance, and how they go hand in hand. Integration is SO IMPORTANT in our classrooms. We learned an example of integration when we played baby blob in class. We had to tag each other, and each time someone was tagged, they joined the blob. The last person that had not been tagged at the end of the game was the baby blob. We could use this one simple game in the classroom to integrate physical activity, to integrate science by teaching students about the spread of germs each time someone was tagged, and integrate math using multiplication, adding, and subtracting using blobs and how many individuals make up the blobs. There are so many creative ways to use integration in the classroom, and every teacher should use integration because it adheres to the NCTCS standards-- one specifically being that "Teachers facilitate learning for their students."
I agree that integration is something very important to have in the classroom. Playing baby blob was very fun, it was very nice to witness that we can learn while "plearning"
ReplyDeleteHi Megan! In regards to education 350, I completely agree that it is vitally important for teachers to make their students feel as if their culture is valued. In order to do this, we have to create a classroom culture that somehow allows all cultures to mesh together to create a positive and comfortable environment, which I believe can be challenging! It is very important for us to learn more about this in education 350 in order to properly do this for our students.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to education 410, I couldn't believe the massive amount of integration that came from such a simple game! It really showed me how students can learn so much without even realize they are learning. It's amazing that so many subjects can be integrated into such a small part of a students day, such as playing a five minute game.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the importance of using integration in the classroom. You are right there are so many creative ways in which we can use these tools as well. We did in fact utilize the NCTCS standard referring to teachers being the facilitators in the classroom and being responsible for their student's learning.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI like that you added that culture simply "exists." That's a great point. It does exist in every organization, family, etc. We often take on aspects of the culture without even realizing it. Nice connections to your future classroom and the NCTCS. Next time, try to connect to indicators within the NCTCS.
Integration is so much fun to add in to classroom lessons. I am going to school for English, so I love adding in bits of history along with elective materials to my lessons. I am really hoping to learn how to integrate more this semester!
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