Diversity in Teaching and Learning
The very act of teaching and learning are cultural experiences. Classroom behaviors and practices are strongly influenced by an instructor's own cultural background, and each of us must work hard not to privilege students of one background and disadvantage students whose language experience, abilities, or learning styles differ from our own. When a student hails from another country, differences in language, dress, and appearance can be apparent. First-day introductions might politely bring to light these differences and satisfy couriosity about the variety of places that each student calls home. Underscoring the value of these differences will set a positive tone for future classroom interactions.
Articles/Publications
"Chemistry, Society and Civic Engagement (Part 1): The SPENCER Project"
http://www.jce.divched.org/Journal/Issues/2006/Sep/PlusSub/V83N09/p1301.pdf
"Chemistry, Society and Civic Engagement (Part 2): Uranium and American Indians"
http://www.jce.divched.org/Journal/Issues/2006/Sep/PlusSub/V83N09/p1308.pdf
"A Dozen Teaching Tips for Diverse Classrooms"
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i09/09b01201.htm
Association of American Colleges and Universities "Diversity Web"
http://www.diversityweb.org/DiversityDemocracy/
Resources
Crosscultural Issues in Teaching