Diversity in Education Discussions
What are "Diversity in Education Discussions"?
Every month we invite an authority on a topic related to multiculturalism and education to come and speak to educators and faculty members. After about a half-hour lecture, a discussion is sparked, giving students the opportunity to share their experiences, ask questions, and express their concerns.
What is the purpose of these discussions?
The Educational Growth and Unity Association has established an open dialogue about diversity at our monthly gatherings. Students, faculty, and an expert on the topic assemble to share experiences, ask questions, and express their concerns. Peers lend their knowledge and experiences to the betterment of themselves and their fellow-students. The issues explored will prepare and equip students with the power of understanding as they educate the next generation of humanity.
We are striving to create an open diologue in the School of Education about diversity and it's effects on the classroom, as well as pass on skills to students in dealing with many important issues they will face throughout their careers. This is a rare opportunity for students to learn from each other, guided by a master on the subject of conversation.
Archives of Past Discussions
July, 2006
Jane Elliot and the Blue-Eyed Brown-Eyed Movie Night
Date and Location: Wednesday, 26 July, 7 pm in 166 MCKB
Documentary: A Class Divided
Description:
The day after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, a third grade class in an all-white farming town in Iowa learned what it is like to be judged for their appearance. Their teacher Jane Elliot put them through a daring exercise on the meaning of discrimination. Divided by eye color, Elliot comments that she “watched what had been marvelous, cooperative, wonderful, thoughtful children turn into nasty, vicious, discriminating little third-graders in a space of fifteen minutes.” Pitted against their friends, A Class Divided shows the students dealing with racism. This short documentary will be followed by discussion and refreshments.
March, 2006
Thinking about Race: Effects on our Everyday Relationships
Date and Location: Thursday, 30 March, 5 pm in 270 SWKT
Guest Speaker: Dean Vernon Heperi
Description:
What is the role and emphasis of race in our daily lives? How does it reflect in our teaching? Dean Heperi will ask these questions and more of future educators as we delve into intricate matters of diversity. A New Zealand native, Dean Heperi has long been involved in studies of diversity and their application in education. He was previously the director of Multicultural Student Services at BYU and is now the Dean of Students. Discussion attendees should be ready to identify themselves racially, culturally, and ethnically. We will address ideas about race analytically and critically, through dialogue, emphasis, and content provided by participants. Dean Heperi will greatly enrich any teacher eager to open new possibilities of thought through this significant topic.
Representing our Heritage: Multicultural Children's Literature in the Classroom
Date and Location: Thursday, 9 March, 5 pm in 270 SWKT
Guest Speaker: Dr. Nancy Livingston
Description:
Every teacher faces the task of how to appropriately represent other cultures in a way that will best enrich their students. One way is through the books read in class. Naturally not all books are equal in quality, so how does one identify what will be the most beneficial? Dr. Livingston is an elementary school teacher, an MSE professor, a member of the National Reading Association and she writes and edits for an international journal for teachers, The Reading Teacher. She has reviewed countless children’s books and will pass on some of her expertise to future educators.
Click to see flyer
February, 2006
Including Every Student: Keys to African American Education
Date and Location: Thursday, 16 February, 5 pm in 270 SWKT
Guest Speaker: Black Student Union Representatives
Description:
The Black Student Union represents the growing number of African American students at BYU and those interested in broadening their understanding of this race. Most educators will be faced with the duty of teaching students of many races but especially the growing number of African Americans. This question and answer panel conducted by BSU representatives will answer questions specifically regarding race in education. Come ask those questions that you have felt uncomfortable confronting before, and make yourself a better professional. This information will be invaluable to your future success in the classroom.
click to see flyer
December, 2005
Communicating When They Don't Understand: Methods for Teaching ESL Students
Date and Location: Thursday, 1 December, 5 pm in 270 SWKT
Guest Speaker: Ms. Cary Johnson
Description:
Utah has the largest growing Hispanic population in the nation. California is dotted with increasing populations of Koreans, Vietnamese, and Polynesians. Maryland is experiencing an influx of Arabic immigrants. Wherever you teach, you WILL have students with whom you will have difficulty communicating. These students will constantly face problems completing reading assignments, understanding lectures, and participating in class. Having obtained several degrees in ESL instruction, served for many years in bilingual classes, and worked at the English Language Center at BYU, Ms. Cary Johnson has an abundance of wisdom she is will to impart. For the good of your students come and partake of this enriching experience!
November, 2005
Teaching in Black and White: Perceptions of Race in American Classrooms
Date and Location: Thursday, 10 November, 5 pm in 270 SWKT
Guest Speaker: Dr. Darron Smith
Description:
Mr. Darron Smith, a renowned speaker on race perceptions on various aspects of society, offers an opportunity for education majors to learn firsthand how they can better reach the African American students in their classrooms. Students will have the chance to share their experiences, ask questions, and discuss this critical topic. Darron Smith has repeatedly proven his exceptional speaking abilities and engaging personality in lectures throughout Utah. This is an event you don’t want to miss!
October, 2005
Enlivening the Inner Understanding: Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learning Styles
Date and Location: Thursday, 27 October, 5 pm in 280 MCKB
Guest Speaker: Dr. Christine Moore
Description:
All educators meet the challenge of trying to teach to a classroom of learners of varied styles. Students of all cultures integrate knowledge in different ways, and teachers must be prepared to meet the challenge with vigor. Through the animated talents of Dr. Moore, we will explore what these learning styles are, strategies to overcoming barriers, and encouragement for success.
Handouts prepared by Dr. Moore:
* Teacher Strategies for Making Accommodations for Multicultural Learners
* Teaching for High and Low Context
* How to Analyze Books for Racism and Sexism
* How can I help ESL Students?
* Teaching Learners from Diverse Cultural Backgrounds
Related Links
- Vision Statement
- About the Organization
- Membership
- Diversity in Education Discussions and other events
- Advice
- Resources
- Community Involvement
- Educational Content Areas
- Professional Resources
- Professional Development
- Additional Resources