Nieto Chapters 8 and 9

In chapter eight of Affirming Diversity, Nieto writes about the many factors that affect academic achievement. I was aware of some of these factors from the effect on me throughout my education, while others were a little less obvious and present in my life. Early in the chapter, we learn that culture plays a huge role in a student’s academic performance, and connections to a student’s culture is important for their success. When a student’s culture is taught in the classroom, it is shown that the culture is valued. I did not realize this need throughout my education because my culture was the dominant culture that was taught and valued by all teachers and students. Once again, I also didn’t see the important role that society plays in a student’s learning because I was a part of the dominant culture, which was valued by society. I can understand, however, how negative views and political actions against a culture can cause conflict for students who identify with that culture and affect their performance in the classroom. In the reading, I could identify the effect that activities outside of school affects student’s schoolwork positively. My involvement in activities such as music and sports gave me confidence, as well as leadership and teamwork skills. In the text, Nieto writes of how students that are involved in extracurricular activities are less likely to involve themselves in dangerous behaviors such as joining a gang or using drugs. Finally, families, communities, teachers, and schools affect the performance of students. From my experience, my parents have had a huge impact on my feelings about education and my success in school. For students coming from low-income families or from other cultures, hard work may be valued more and parents might have higher expectations for their children so that they can grow up and have more options than their parents might have had. Caring parents who are involved with their children’s education usually produce successful students. Teachers that also care about their students and their well being help to support each students’ identities, causing these students to excel in the classroom. What I liked most about chapter nine of the text is that it finally stated that the multicultural education discussed in this book is just good pedagogy. All of the characteristics and strategies used to effectively teach children of various cultures are necessary to teach well in general. From first reading this text, as well as The Dreamkeepers, I had thought that both described qualities that were necessary for all successful teachers. Even if I don’t end up teaching in a classroom with people of color, which is almost impossible, I will use these strategies in order to teach effectively.

Presentation Reflection

I feel that my group’s presentation went well today. Although we didn’t come close to finishing our presentation, I feel as the main idea of the book was addressed and the class understood and was interested in the book’s strategies to become a more culturally relevant teacher. I was so happy to see the students take and interest in the material and ask questions throughout our presentation. I really enjoyed reading The Dreamkeepers and I think that the teaching strategies discussed are important for teaching all cultures. As we talked about in the presentation, this book was different than any of the other texts that we have read this semester because while it does present many problems, it also gives a solution to the problems. Instead of feeling discouraged, I actually felt confident that these changes could be made. It seems as though these teachers know and understand their students better than the teachers that I ever had. I think that understanding a student, their culture, and their community is vital to successfully teach that student. Throughout my education, I have been in schools with pretty much all white children and teachers. Although teachers had an understanding of my culture because they lived in communities similar to mine, most of the teachers don’t live in my actual community and aren’t involved with students outside of the classroom. I realized that these teachers teach more effectively when they have more contact with their students and therefore know the strengths of their students and how best they learn. I will take the concepts discussed in this book and see how they are demonstrated in the classroom that I am observing.