At this forum, “Conversations Across Difference”, I had the opportunity to speak openly with many of my peers, many that I would not necessarily come in contact with on an everyday basis. It was not only enlightening, but provided me with a much needed “shock” to get my head in the right moment. Just because many of these events or confrontations concerning difference do not directly affect me at certain times, it is definitely an issue that I should be involved in and of great importance to me as a Luther student. Stepping aside and not dealing with the issue is not acceptable, and after attending this forum, I realize that these thoughtful reflections must turn to action.
I think that throughout our conversation, our group came to a few heavy conclusions about looking at difference. We realized that a lot of these misconceptions and subconscious fears of difference, whatever that difference may be are due to complete ignorance, or a lack of experience with those that are different. We talked about how we are afraid to branch out and leave our comfort zone. Many people are drawn to others that have similar traits, looks and interests. People have a struggle to feel accepted, and don’t want to be the one that stands out. We talked about how it is hard for all of us to come together, but once it happens, it seems as though it was never a real issue in the first place.
I think that these conversations at Luther are vital to the goals of a liberal arts education. In order to be well rounded, and truly understand each other, we must branch out, and really get to know each other. We sat down together as equal parties, and talked about how we feel about race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and what we can do to bring about action. After talking to each other, it makes these events more personal, and gives you a stronger bond to help bring about change and understanding. I think it is important for all Luther students to not only understand each other, but to have the desire to understand each other, and try to embrace and learn from our differences.
I think that as a furture teacher, understanding difference is key to better reaching and teaching your students. In order to help them succeed, you must be able to understand their backgrounds, homes, cultures, and traditions, not just your own.
Here you can check out your own knowledge of diversity with this online quiz. it may put some things about diversity anequality into perspective for white teachers: http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/quiz/quiz1.htm
I think that throughout our conversation, our group came to a few heavy conclusions about looking at difference. We realized that a lot of these misconceptions and subconscious fears of difference, whatever that difference may be are due to complete ignorance, or a lack of experience with those that are different. We talked about how we are afraid to branch out and leave our comfort zone. Many people are drawn to others that have similar traits, looks and interests. People have a struggle to feel accepted, and don’t want to be the one that stands out. We talked about how it is hard for all of us to come together, but once it happens, it seems as though it was never a real issue in the first place.
I think that these conversations at Luther are vital to the goals of a liberal arts education. In order to be well rounded, and truly understand each other, we must branch out, and really get to know each other. We sat down together as equal parties, and talked about how we feel about race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and what we can do to bring about action. After talking to each other, it makes these events more personal, and gives you a stronger bond to help bring about change and understanding. I think it is important for all Luther students to not only understand each other, but to have the desire to understand each other, and try to embrace and learn from our differences.
I think that as a furture teacher, understanding difference is key to better reaching and teaching your students. In order to help them succeed, you must be able to understand their backgrounds, homes, cultures, and traditions, not just your own.
Here you can check out your own knowledge of diversity with this online quiz. it may put some things about diversity anequality into perspective for white teachers: http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/quiz/quiz1.htm
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