Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

 

Learning about microaggressions this week has really opened my eyes to the transformation that racism has taken in our society today, and the detrimental effects that subtle discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes can have on people.

A few weeks ago I experienced a "catch 22" as Dr. Sue described (Laureate Education, 2011) I went on a job interview and upon meeting my potential employer I could tell she was quite shocked that I was African American. (Quick side note I have been told ignorantly by others that I have a "white name" and speak like a "white person") she initially told me that she pictured me to be much different the how I sounded on the phone, making a joke. I immediately thought it odd but obviously did not say anything because I wanted the job. After a decent interview, we spoke candidly about the position and was told that I was extremely "articulate and well spoken". Hmmmm once again I was flabbergasted "had I just been given a microinsult or a compliment or both?" I left the interview feeling confused and uncomfortable, obviously that person was in a position of power and afterwards the more I thought about the circumstances that had occurred, the more offended I became in hindsight.

My observation experiences this week has given some new perspectives on discrimination, and how biases/prejudices can unconsciously effect our actions and how we interact with people around us. It is human nature to identity the similarities and differences in others, but we must develop conscious thought behind what we do especially in our multicultural saturated society.

References

Laureate Education. (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu 



Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 

Husband

Definition of culture

Culture is ones family values, and society’s surrounding environment.

Definition of Diversity

A mixture of people made up of their own personal individual talents and cultures, ethnicities. Ideologies, religions, sexual orientations etc. 

Mom

Definition of culture

Culture is the way someone was brought up, traditions handed down from generations and beliefs in their own individual family culture.

Definition of Diversity

Diversity is differences that people have whether it’s in culture, and beliefs.

 

Cousin

Definition of culture

Culture is shared beliefs, and values that affects every aspect of a person’s life.

Definition of Diversity

Diversity includes many various demographics including race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, geographic origin, and skills.

 

The aspects of different beliefs, traditions, and values in regards to many different characteristics including race, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disability were all terms that were studied in the course. Each person’s definition related to the concept that both culture and diversity is unique to each individual and their perspectives on their own culture and the world around them.

I think that they omitted the concept that culture is such a broad term, and means different things to different people and is so much more than just customs, and traditions. The iceberg analogy really speaks volumes, where the traditions, and ethnicity of a culture is just the surface of a much more complex reality. They also did not touch on the fact that in our society today there is a dominant culture that often influences the majority of the way our society is, which can cause feelings of cultural discontinuity for cultures who are not the dominant one. Assimilation into the dominant culture and a rejection of one’s own culture can result in a loss of traditions, heritage or even language.

Reflecting on other peoples definitions of culture and diversity, has allowed me to gain insight on the sometimes limited perspectives people may have about culture. It has made me realize that before I has taken this course I also had a very narrow definition of both terms. Examining other people’s perspectives has influenced me to want to expand others knowledge on culture and diversity.

References

  Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Family cultures: Dynamic interactions [Video file]. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from https://class.waldenu.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



My Family Culture

3 Items to take:

·         An iPod because music is a large part of my families dynamic with a variety of music representing my family: country, reggae, R &B, Hip Hop, Classical, etc.

·         A historical family tree plaque passed down through 4 generations.

·         A family picture album consisting of family vacations, events, and extended family members.

I would explain to others that each of these items represents unity and the importance of family within our culture. Passing down the family history is essential for generations to come, so that they can understand why it’s important to value family and traditions. If I was told I could only keep one item I would be devastated but I would keep the family picture album as it consists of the family linage, and is a symbol of the importance of family.

This exercise helped me to realize just how much family is important to my family culture, along with passing down traditions, customs, and values to my kids.

 

When I think of Research....

When I Think Of Research.....

I have gained an abundance of knowledge regarding research from taking this course, previously my understanding of research was very limited. The very thought of having to sift through a research article or paper brought me dread. After acquiring the skills to be able to break down the different components, and define each section I find myself having more confidence when coming to the task of reading and comprehension. Another important awareness that I have developed from this course is the concept of credibility within the articles and online publications. Examining the quality of online content is essential for any early childhood educator whether they are conducting research or even just reading content to assist with them professionally.

                The nature of doing research and its process has become much easier as I have acquired knowledge of the research design process, as well as the components of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method designs. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from conducting early childhood research is the importance ethics, and special considerations to deliberate when conducting research especially when it involves young children, like the risk benefit equation and informed consent. The design process is more than just conducting research around a specific topic, moral and responsible guide lines must be taken into consideration in order to protect those participants in the process and other who are involved. I encountered many bumps in the road on my journey to understanding research, and conducting the components within the research simulation. The formation of the research question and hypothesis took me some time to configure, as I had a difficult time writing a clear precise research question, however with some guidance from the instructor as to pinpoint exactly what I was trying to study, I was able to reformat my question accordingly. I learned that without a clear research question and hypothesis the whole design process will be in inharmoniousness. That initial segment is the key towards having a cohesive research design as all other parts rely on an effective well-phrased question.

I have had many misconceptions that have been modified as a result of this class, but perhaps the most prevalent is my ability to be able to read and comprehend pieces of research. I can now take the skills I’ve acquired on studying and examining pieces of valid credible research articles to my other courses that will be extremely useful in my professional career.

Research Around The World

The Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a virtual university for early childhood research worldwide. Some of the most current topics presently are:

·         Strengthening Africa's contributions to child development research: Overview and ways forward. Child Development Perspectives.

·         Developing an international network to support early childhood development (ECD): Results from experience in Africa

·         Think Locally, Act Globally: Contributions of African Research to Child Development

Each of these topics pertain to the current efforts to encourage and maintain early childhood networks and research in Africa. The goals of these research tactics are to improve the capacity of African countries to attain early childhood programs by laying a strong foundation, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Also, to increase understanding among stakeholders of the importance of children’s early development and learning as a key ingredient in children’s success.

The efforts to promote early childhood and secondary education worldwide takes on a variety of research and projects in order to attain the goal of global education available for everyone. The “Brain Gain” video tells the success stories and the accomplishments of graduates who participated in the ECDVU program.

I found the international article on the World Bank project on efforts for the country of Guyana to be extremely interesting as my family is originally from there. The project proposes a secondary education improvement project for Guyana to strengthen the capacity of secondary school mathematics teachers nationwide, and to increase enrollment in general secondary schools in targeted regions.

The video for Brain Gain is below. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MykI_YQQkdM&list=PLB13EEF302E2C8F23

 

Children with Cancer: Positive Benefits of Camp

 

               Countless research has been conducted over the years towards the cure, treatment, and alleviation of cancer discomfort from children to adults in an effort to overcome an inevitably fatal illness to a life-threatening chronic disease. The aim of these studies was to critically review all research examining the effect of camps on health related quality of life in children with chronic illnesses. Interestingly, a positive research finding for young cancer patients was the beneficial involvements of participants in camp experiences and the reduction of anxiety which helped them to better cope with their terminal illness. Research supports the positive emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of camps and retreats for cancer patients. “A number of strategies have been used to reduce feelings of anxiety experienced by pediatric cancer patients, including “diversions or activities as means of catharsis” (Goertzel & Goertzel, 1991, p. 538). One relatively new method that has been used to help children cope with their terminal illness has been the development of summer camp programs designed especially to meet their needs.” (Winfree, Williams, & Powell 2002). Although, there is not a cure for cancer yet I found this discovery made by research efforts to be truly uplifting towards creating a support system, while helping young children reduce disease related anxieties, and boost self-confidence.

 References

 Winfree, Christy, Powell Gwynn, Williams Richard. (2002). Children with Cancer - Positive Benefits of Camp. Retrieved from http://gpowell.myweb.uga.edu/Cancer_Nov_2002.htm

Bekesi, Andrea. (2011). Health Related quality of life changes of children and adolescents with chronic diease after participation in therapeutic recreation camping program. Retrieved from http://www.hqlo.com/content/9/1/43

My Personal Research Journey

 

 

I chose the  topic of public policy for my simulation due to the current state of early childhood and it’s recent

recent media attention, calling for the historic  investments to be made in early childhood education. President Obama’s early learning plan for stronger investments in early childhood entails participation for all in children in high quality programs. Major changes are in the process of being made that will have a major impact on the field, and as a parent and an educator I believe that the key to major changes in education is through the venue of public policy. This will ensure the window of opportunity in young children is utilized to it’s full potential.

Initially, I have learned that one of the most important aspects in beginning to conduct research is the determination of a specific topic, as well as the ability to explore a variety of questions surrounding it. I speculate that narrowing down a specific research question will be the most difficult part of the whole process. Additionally, I think that filtering  through an abundance of resources might also be rather difficult due to the large variety of information that is out there on the web.

Constructing the research chart was an interesting experience, I found that I needed more information than the given definition in the book and found myself exploring other sources for a more detailed clarification that I could explain in my own words.

I wonder if any other colleagues have had this issue due to the large reference to research definitions and lack of clarification in the glossary?