...practitioner, I now understand the importance of quality interactions between practitioner and child, as they help build strong relationships especially when the activity is meaningful and enjoyable (DCCC, 2012). Interactions in Happy Days Playschool are warm, nurturing and respectful, but through the Aistear-Síolta (2015) self-evaluations, I discovered that at times my interactions were often superficial or directive, which was denying me the opportunity to fully tune into the child’s learning and to build secure relationships with the child. Síolta (2006) acknowledge that the role of the practitioner in terms of ensuring constructive interactions with children is demanding, but through reflective practice, I was able to ‘slow down’ my every day interactions, particularly the technique of scaffolding in order to enhance children’s learning outcomes. Vygotsky (1962) stated that we learn through our interactions and communications with others. Vygotsky proposed that social interaction proceeds development and children learn tasks and abilities through...
Words: 1065 - Pages: 5
...Synopsis Multicultural education has been a tool used in the United States to foster education in public schools for all cultures to enjoy in it. The article A History of Multicultural Education in the USA: Origins, Approaches, and Misconceptions by Rasit Celik that appeared in the second volume of Online Journal of New Horizons in Education of October 2012 endeavors to critically analyze the origin of the education tool, the approaches used to apply it in the schools and various misconceptions that are associated with multicultural education. The article explains the origin of the idea of multicultural education citing the common ground as “…a response to gradually increasing cultural diversity and became a distinct part of civil rights movement in the second half of the twentieth century in the USA” (pg 2). Different schools of thought place precedence to different sources. Payne and Welsh for example, attribute the source of multicultural education to democratic ideologies such as the Bill of Rights, the Hammurabi Code, The Magna Carta among other ideas. The article also looks at the works of Donna M. Gollnick (2008), Christine Sleeter and Grant (2008), Banks (2008), (2010) and Dhillion and Halstead (2003) to determine a common basis on the origin and concludes that the cultural awareness and fight for equality in the 1960s was the biggest boost to achieving multicultural education in the United States. The article also discusses four different approaches used in multicultural...
Words: 960 - Pages: 4
...learned a lot about myself. To be more specific, I learned what values are important to me. In my first year of college I lacked, personal and intimate relationships and learning environments, a space to practice and grow into my religion, and the exposure to a student population with diversity. It was in recognizing that I was missing these things that I realized Loyola University would be a great fit for a student such as myself. Personal and meaningful relationships are very important to me. I grew up in a very close family of eight children, raised by parents who stressed the importance of having a tight familial bond. I graduated from a high school of only 36 girls, where I learned not only the benefits and importance of a small group of trusted friends and companions but the academic advantages as well. But my college experience thus far has not supplied me with the personal and meaningful relationships I so eagerly wish to have. I want to go to a school that values a small environment for it’s educational, developmental, and social benefits. A school that pushes its students to engage with each other in meaningful and powerful ways in and out of the class room. I believe that attending Loyola may supply me with this opportunity....
Words: 466 - Pages: 2
...Importance of Understanding Culture Diversity in the Workplace Jennifer Schulz Devry University Cultural Diversity in the Professions SOCS350 William Tutol January 10, 2014 Importance of Understanding Culture Diversity in the Workplace In business today it is important to have a diverse group of employees in the workplace. Our textbook defines diversity as real or perceived differences among people in race, ethnicity, sex, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, religion, work and family status, weight and appearance, and other identity-based attributes that affect their interactions and relationships (Bell, 2012, p. 5). It is very important to understand the cultural, ethnical, and gender differences by professionals and management in the workforce in this day and age. If an organization develops a reputation for valuing all types of employees, it will become known as an employer of choice, in which workers from all backgrounds feel they have the opportunity to work, grow, and be treated fairly (Bell, 2012, p. 4). By being diverse in its employees, a business has a better opportunity for new ideas and growth potential and less likely to be stymied. Despite extraordinary corporate and media attention paid to diversity in the past thirty years, discrimination, inequality, and exclusion persist in organizations (Bell, 2012, p. 4). As discussed this week in class, when the department head turned down the Jamaican friend for the position, even though he seemed...
Words: 732 - Pages: 3
...What Does Diversity Mean to You, and What Does a Diverse Insurance Industry Look Like? By Amanda M. White, CPCU, API As I was preparing to start thinking about the topic of diversity, I did what most of us do these days. I did an internet search on the term. The search results were overwhelming and easily set a picture of what diversity is, without even having to click on a single link. But, while the search results may provide a definition of diversity, those results do not reflect the importance of diversity in the insurance industry and the role of insurance professionals in its development. Diversity is so much more than just the surface qualities of race or gender. It encompasses all qualities that make us unique, as an individual or as part of a group. And it’s acceptance, respect, and understanding of those unique qualities. As today’s economy and business world continues to expand globally, diversity moves to the forefront. There will be more cultures, personalities, and talents at play. In order to be successful, a company must understand how all of those qualities affect motivation, communication, and performance. When it does, it will benefit from better communication and teamwork, enhanced morale, and a higher level of creativity. Now that I’ve given the formal explanation, let me try to answer the first half of the question posed. What does diversity mean to me? In simple terms, I believe that diversity is learning from others that aren’t the same as me. I grew up...
Words: 1246 - Pages: 5
...1. What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. Diversity in the workforce has evolved throughout history. From ancient times where nobility and religious figures ruled all to more current times with the struggle for civil rights in the 1960s or the workforce diversity in the 1990s with woman and different ethnic groups becoming leaders and executives. According to the text, diversity is defined “as the ways in which people differ that may affect their organizational experience in terms of performance, motivation, communication, and inclusion” (Harvey, 2009, p. 1). Dimensions of diversity include components related to a person's race, gender, ethnic background, religious/spiritual dogmas, lifestyle, sexual orientation, age, abilities, and appearance (Schaefer, 2012). These are known as primary dimensions. Secondary dimensions are considered less central to someone’s social identity. Some examples are: Geographic location, military/work experience, family status, income, education, communication and work styles, and first language/education. 2. With what ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? Describe what members of your social circle have in common. I am associated with many diverse groups of various backgrounds. Culturally and ethnically, I identify with Latino/Hispanic, African American, Caucasian/Anglo and Asian. Being of an “All-American” Caucasian background I am...
Words: 939 - Pages: 4
...Cultural Diversity in the Business Setting and It’s Effects on Employees Tyler D. Stone Chamberlain College of Nursing Abstract This paper explores articles and textbook passages relating to how businesses need to understand cultural diversity in order to maintain a successful business. These passages and articles go in detail at indulging the reader with examples and reasons why businesses need to be sensitive to cultural diversity not only for their benefit but for employee satisfaction as well. Diversity’s importance can even be found using the lawsuit Coca-Cola underwent in 1999 when they were accused of discrimination against workers. From Coca-Cola to different generations cultural diversity is examined using reputable sources and current data. Cultural Diversity in the Business Setting and It’s Effects on Employees The major characteristic that makes us all human is that we are all diverse. Not one human is exactly like another. Business professionals learn about the diversity of humans and its importance in their first few business classes they take when furthering their education. These businessmen also learn that making a certain culture, race or gender feel left out can prove to be drastic to a company’s financial well-being. Being sensitive to cultural diversity and understanding differences between genders and generations is a fundamental principle every business needs to adhere to in order to be successful. When companies neglect to acknowledge...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...Diversity means different things to different people. Diversity goes beyond race and gender. This article is about the different 'layers' of diversity, questions and food for thought to assess our differences and understanding how all dimensions of our life affect our diversity layers. Our diversity layers include: Personality, Internal Dimensions, External Dimensions, and Organizational Dimensions. Let's look closer at each one. Personality: Some have it and some don't. In all seriousness though, many experts say our personalities are formed by the age of Five (5). Internal Dimensions: This includes things like age, race, gender, ethnicity, and physical ability/disability. External Dimensions: This includes things like marital status, appearance(height, weight, attractiveness), educational background, religion, income, and where you live or were brought up. Organizational Dimensions: Includes work location, field of work, employment status, title and seniority. All of these things impact how we see the world, how we judge others and how we make decisions. As I think about my life and the dimensions and people that have influenced me, I’ve learned a lot. My children have taught me humor, wisdom, and have given me a perspective that 'life is simple' and of course, they have taught me about unconditional love. My father taught me the power of a good work ethic, the importance of lifelong learning and education, ambition and the rule of 72. Perhaps the biggest...
Words: 831 - Pages: 4
...Individual Final Project Throughout this course I have discovered a variety of alternate viewpoints about diversity within the United States we have discussed. Feeling more knowledgeable about the subject with a grander appreciation, and realizing that going into personal experiences with an open mind will continue to help me to relate with others. Getting to know someone who is different from you can be challenging, and stepping out of the norm to be willing to listen or observe others and their beliefs will help lead society toward a less discriminatory, and prejudice country. My past had prevented me from taking that extra step to understand others, instead I chose to avoid them because they were not like me or did not share my same beliefs. As a teenager I possibly ignored those who were different than I, in fear of lowering my reputation status. Growing up as a child I was very unaware of the depth of discrimination and prejudice that was lingering in our country. Hawaii is a state where children are sheltered from the rest of the United States. It is almost as if we are in our own world. Although I miss living there near the rest of my family along with the island life, I am extremely grateful that my parents decided to move us to California while I was still young enough to absorb “street smarts” but, I am also thankful that living in Hawaii allowed me to see everyone as family or equals. I think the only other downfall for being raised in Hawaii would be the...
Words: 1495 - Pages: 6
...Defining Diversity Defining Diversity * To me, diversity encompasses a wide range of elements in which to classify a student population. It includes the obvious such as race/ethnicity, culture, gender, disabilities, and socio-economic status. However, diversity goes so much deeper. Diversity also includes the various cognitive levels in students, the different styles in which they learn, and the various levels of motivation in students. Each of these diversity categories can be evidenced in an educational setting. The impact it has on a school can be positive if it is approached and handled appropriately by the school and its’ teachers. If it is not, it can have very negative effects on the school and the student. Having low expectations and showing bias toward one diverse group over another can have a very negative and lasting impact. It is important to acknowledge that ALL students can achieve if given the motivation and encouragement to do so. According to Janine Bempechat, high achievers in all ethnic groups believed that success was die to hard work. She concluded, “Teachers need to help low achievers understand that poor performance does not result from a lack of ability as much as from lack of trying” (Nieto & Bode, 2008). It is for this reason that it is of utmost importance that teachers convey positive messages to their students. Building self-esteem can be the first step in academic achievement. If students do not believe they have the ability...
Words: 948 - Pages: 4
...sure by now you are all aware of the upcoming merger with EnviroTech. You all had an opportunity to read the e-mail from Mr Spencer so you know the importance of making this important move forward. I feel it is important for me to emphasize the crucial role that you have in laying the foundation for a very successful merger. Communication is the key to any successful organization. As supervisor you must have open and clear communication to your staff at all times. The goals and visions of our company must be emphasized not once but over and over again so that our employees understand what it is that they are working to achieve. Once they thoroughly understand they have a stake in the outcome, you will see their motivation and loyalty level skyrocket. As a former member of a recruiting organization that did not promote training or employee development, it was very clear to me that management had a huge impact on productivity in a work environment. When I began working for this aforementioned organization, I reported to work on the designated day and time and was rather pumped up to start my new job. Unfortunately I had no one to greet me, introduce me to other members in my section, or even show me the various dos and don’ts of the job. Needless to say it was a very bad first impression. As time went on, it was obvious to me that the only way I was going to find out how to efficiently do the job was by asking many, many questions which was quite exhausting. I asked on...
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
...BEHS 220 (2152) Personal Action Plan for Diversity Consciousness 8 March 2015 Introduction Diversity is an ongoing discussion in day-to-day life. Not many situations occur without diversity having a role. There are a multitude of topics that introduces or involves diversity, to include age, sex, race, gender, ethnicity and so on. Prior to participating in this Diversity Awareness class, I’ve always thought diversity was more geared around discrimination and racism. Through weekly readings and discussions, I have discovered that diversity is much broader than that. There are many countries that are mixed culturally with people from all over the world, but none like the United States. The United States has the largest mixed culture in the world. Growing up in South Carolina I was exposed to different cultures, however I never fully witnessed some of the cultural things I’ve witnessed since joining the Army. My time in the Army has taken me places I never would have imagined and have exposed me to many different cultures. Reasons for taking BEHS Diversity Awareness I am pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Criminal Justice and it is required for me to complete 6 semester hours of Behavioral and Social Science courses. I’ve always been fascinated with understanding and learning more about...
Words: 1967 - Pages: 8
...population at Mallory College; therefore, with the lack of diversity at the college it is inevitable to have underlying racial issues. In addition to these issues, students from other racial ethnicities may find it difficult to find their identity. The Coordinator for Student Diversity has the responsibility of providing multicultural programing that is informative and promotes acceptance...
Words: 752 - Pages: 4
...the school, but also help of the children. The main dispositions of learning consist of the commitment to diversity, commitment to ethics, commitment to the teaching profession, and knowing the philosophies and theories of education. Throughout a semester of a number of speakers, class documents, and Martin Haberman’s Star Teachers, I feel like I have learned how important these dispositions truly are for the success of a teacher and what I need to work on to better myself to become a true star educator. The first disposition of teaching is the commitment to diversity. Commitment to diversity is a strong point of mine because I have first handedly seen the benefits of diversity in the schools. In one hand I went to a middle school that was about 30% African American, 25% Hispanic, and 45% White. On the other hand I went to a high school that was almost 95% White, 4% African American, and 1% Hispanic. I feel like the students I went to school with in the diverse community had a more open mind about society in a whole which clearly made for better learning. I also observed that the teachers at the diverse school seemed to have more motivation to drive the students to succeed. The more diverse schools also seem to have a more positive attitude towards diverse cultures and learners. The more open a student is to other cultures, the more open he or she is with society. Diversity, a key to live, is extremely important in the school system which traces back to the teachers. Another...
Words: 1517 - Pages: 7
...------------------------------------------------- Diversity March 27, 2016 Barbara hernandez March 27, 2016 Barbara hernandez Diversity is what makes a person unique and that we all have differences that make someone who they are. It’s tied into different races, ethnicity, sex, religion, and a few other characteristics. My definition of diversity is most relatable to Myrtle P. Bell whose theory on diversity only includes race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, work and family status, weight and appearance. Bell went on discuss something she called “identity groups.” To me these identity groups are something that one person relates to another person and is considered to be part of the same group. She also went on to state that other areas are important because they could affect the person on an organizational level such as their value and their attitudes. The model I didn’t completely relate to is Row and Gardenswartz. Their model depicted beyond what I think diversity means. It included organization dimensions and personality which I don’t consider it part of the definition of diversity. The definition of diversity has evolved and some people are even including people’s experiences. I find that people’s experiences make them who they are and has nothing to do with being diverse. Diversity in our society today is important because it gives people the opportunity to experience different things outside of what they normally accustomed to. With this, diversity can...
Words: 563 - Pages: 3
