EDUC 551 - Teaching in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms

1. The students’ own stereotypes, biases and cultural socialization and their impact on student learning
2. The examination of the concept of culture: moving away from “trait-based” notions of culture toward a more dynamic view of complexity and multivocality
3. The impact of multiple forms of exclusion and discrimination, including racism, sexism and classism, and how they play out in society and within interactions and expectations of others
4. Learning and acquiring English as a second language and the role of the native language in this process. The examination of bilingual and English as a second language education models and the application of theories and research to second-language learning process.
5. The interplay of social dimensions of educational settings (individual, cultural, linguistic, institutional and historical)
6. Discussions and critical analysis will include how society and our own interactions may marginalize and oppress certain groups, such as children from cultural, racial and linguistic different backgrounds, from low socioeconomic communities, and LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) populations.

This course is aligned with the vision, mission and goals of the School of Education: The constructive nature of this course facilitates inquiry, reflection and critical thinking. Candidates develop an awareness of their own stereotypes and biases, cultural identity processes and second-language acquisition. They also learn what it is like to be a child from a non-dominant culture in U.S. classrooms. Candidates learn how to support all students in their classrooms.

A field study is required in a bilingual or multilingual schooling context to complement and enhance conceptual understanding.