Multicultural Awareness
This from the University of
Georgia…(and other places)
Look at this picture:
•What are your perceptions about
Asian-American students?
•What are your beliefs about their
intelligence in comparison to
yours?
•Where do you think AsianAmerican students spend most of
their time in college?
•Where do you think this student
is from?
Look at this picture:
•What do you think about interracial dating?
•Should people date only within
their own race?
•What problems do you think this
couple will face in society?
•How would you react to seeing
this couple in public?
Look at this picture:
•What is your perception of
this group of men?
•Do you think these men are
exclusive in socializing with
their own race?
•Do you think they believe
themselves to be superior to
other races?
•What do you think the social
life of these men comprises
of?
Look at this picture:
What is your perception of this
athlete?
What do you think is her primary
purpose for attending the
University of Georgia?
What do you think her social life
consists of?
How do you think this student
performs academically?
Some Terminology:
RACE
A category of people identified on the basis of similar visible
physical characteristics.
CULTURE
The customs, ideas, skills, arts, etc of a given people in a given
period and /or location.
ETHNIC GROUP
A group with which individuals are identified, or with which they
identify themselves, on the basis of cultural characteristics.
MINORITY
A smaller part of a population differing from others in some
characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment.
Some Terminology:
DISCRIMINATION
A showing of partiality or prejudice in treatment, specific
action, or policies directed against the welfare of minority
groups.
PREJUDICE
A judgment or opinion formed before the facts are known;
Suspicion, intolerance, irrational hatred, condemnation, or
disapproval of other races, creeds, cultures, etc.
Empathy
Empathy is "putting yourself in someone else's
shoes." By this we mean considering how
another person might think or feel in a specific
situation. Empathy also involves looking at your
own behavior from the other person's point of
view.
Ways to promote diversity using
empathy include:
• Listen to things people say and see the merit
in other opinions
• Notice your body language
• Don't interrupt others; this will help you
listen to their opinions
Understanding
This skill is closely related to using empathy,
but involves more of a process of critical
self-evaluation and reflective thinking. Think
of some ways in which your values, ideas,
and attitudes may lead to or highlight
prejudice. Try to equate the relationship
between your patterns of thinking and
patterns of behavior.
Ways to promote diversity using
understanding include:
• Disregard commonly help stereotypes
• Examine your behavior and
communication patterns when
interacting with people different from
yourself
Awareness
This skill encourages conscientiousness,
not only in being mindful when interacting
with others, but also in acknowledging,
respecting, and being open to ideas and
differing points of view. The more that
knowledge is acquired about the issues
relating to race and diversity, the less an
individual will see alternative cultures as a
threat to one's own culture or identity.
Ways to promote diversity using
awareness include:
• Get to know persons from races and cultures than yours
• See movies and read periodicals involving other races
or cultures
• Ask questions! Do not be afraid to clear up any aspect
of a person's culture you do not understand
• Attend a multicultural event or program on campus
• Attend a cultural training seminar or workshop on
campus
Recognizing Consequences
Every action or behavior has a
consequence, either positive or negative.
Prejudice and discrimination have
negative consequences for all parties
involved. Think about how your behavior
might affect those people you interact
with. Not only can your actions have
consequences, but your lack of action can
have an impact on others as well.
Ways to promote diversity using
consequences include:
•Avoid telling and laughing at racist jokes
•Use words that are politically correct and do not
offend anyone
•Sponsor activities that bring people together for an
educational and learning experience
Fairness
Fairness is eliminating one's opinion and
prejudices in order to achieve a balance of
different interests. It is the belief in an action
toward establishing and promoting equality
among people. Being genuine is a necessary
component of promoting fairness. Fairness
also demands that laws protecting individuals
are respected and followed and that people are
treated as individuals.
Ways to promote diversity using
fairness include...
•Offer the same opportunities to
everyone
•Treat everyone with the same
dignity and respect
Behaviors and Strategies for Teaching
Diverse Students
Appreciate an accommodate similarities and
differences
Build relationships with all students
Watch your students and focus on how they
learn
More Behaviors and Strategies…
Vary your methods
and activities
Consider culture when
planning
Include affective
objectives
Communicate
expectations and
rationales
Use advanced
organizers and closure
to the lesson
Review
Be fluent and efficient
in transitions
Monitor
Give feedback
• Require mastery!