Field Experience Project

WARNING!! READ THE DIRECTIONS THOROUGHLY!!!

This will need to be written in the first person from your perspective. These encounters occurred in an elementary school so you can choose any grade K-5. Use in text citations and at least 3 references.

References you can use:

Banks, J. A., & Banks, C. A. (Eds). (2012). Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives .(78h ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Moule, J. (2011). Cultural competence: A primer for educators. (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Sleeter, C. E., & Grant, C. A. (2007). Making choices for multicultural education: Five approaches to race, class, and gender.(6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 

DIRECTIONS:

Throughout this course you have observed and interviewed administrators and educators on various aspects of culture in education. Relate some of the literature (quotes, citations, references) to what you observe and experience. From your experience, write a 6-8 page summary of your experiences including:

• A summary of the event;
• Something you learned about the culture of the school (that you previously were unaware of);
• Something unique you learned that could help you better interact with someone from a different culture;
• What approach (or combination of approaches) to multicultural education is predominant; and,
• If any personal biases surfaced and might be involved for you.
• What differences in culture and ethnicity were you able to identify?
• How did the teachers and principal self-identify?
• How many ethnic group members work in the school and what positions do they hold?
• What customs or rituals are important in the school?
• What language(s) and communication styles are used?
• What non-verbal communications were utilized?
• What customs of dress are observed?
• What are the teachers' and the principal's beliefs about family, religion, gender roles, work, education, humor, etc?
• What ethnic foods were served in the lunchroom/cafeteria and/or brought by students?
• Has the school done anything specific to promote greater diversity?
• Were there any surprises? Confirmations? Lessons?