The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or

oppression or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

The memory I have of an incident when I experienced bias, prejudice, and/oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression.

Every time I would visit the neighborhood hardware store I felt like I was being watched. On each visit one of the owners would ask a worker to help me after several responses of telling them no help was needed.  Not only are these in my opinion a form of racism, its sexism as well.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

The specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in this incident diminish equity by reducing my self-esteem. This incident lead me to believe that the people (Caucasians) that owns this store is racist. They think biracial people steals. But one cannot just look at a person and judge them.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

The owner of this store will have to change his views towards people that are different from him. After all this is a public place, one that don’t suppose to discriminate against anyone because of race. I believe if this store owner would put away his bias attitude and accept people that come into his store for who they are, he would make more sells.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

This incident caused feelings of powerless, sadness, and fear to me.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

An instructor that I talked to at my son’s high school stated that culture to him is any and everything in one’s universe. Words, reactions, beliefs, space. Culture involves everything we encounter from day to day. Diversity involves components of our personal attributes, culture, character, and our background.

A sorority student that I had a conversation with this week defined culture as a connection between individuals and social constructions. An establishment of values, rules, goals, and beliefs. She described diversity as a uniqueness of people.

Aspects of culture such as belief, values, goals, and diversity as being unique that I studied in this course was included in the answers I received.

As I think about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity, I realize that everyone has different views of culture and diversity. This lead me to believe that one’s meaning of culture and diversity can be described at any given time.

My Family Culture

Three items I would choose if a major catastrophe had almost completely devastated the infrastructure of my country and I had to be evacuated to another country would be my Bible, family photos, and medication.

Each of these items is very special to my heart. The Bible I read every morning and at night because I believe in God. I cherish my family photos because I have memories of family that has passed on. My medication is a daily necessity.

I would feel upset and disappointed if I was told upon arrival that I could only keep one personal item and had to give up my other two items because these are things that belong to me and I should not have to depart from them.

I know things such as this could happen but, I pray it never do. Until situations arise no one knows what their reactions will be.

When I Think of Research

During this course I have gained a better understanding of the research process all of which I know will benefit me in the future. This class has been a great experience for me from finding a research topic to drawing conclusions. Research involves many different processes. Every assignment of this course has boost my knowledge and confidence. I feel I have taken the first step into the research world.

Thanks for all the feedback, questions, suggestions from the instructor and classmates that has help guide my way during this course. 

Research Around the World

Research around the World

The link I choose is Early Childhood Australia: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Some of the current international research topics on this website are:

Early Childhood News

Projects

Voice Newsletters

Resource Themes

Code of Ethics

Legal Statement

This early childhood website is compared to other early childhood websites, offering news articles, projects, resources all that are related to the early childhood field.

During my search of this website I notice its Quality Assurance Guidelines which stated:

Early Childhood Australia Quality Assurance Principles

To support its role as the peak organization in the early childhood field, Early Childhood Australia ensures that all of its publications adhere to its quality assurance principles.

Each publication

Is in the best interests of children

Is evidence-based, or if not, this is clearly stated

Contains accurate information

Is appropriate for the market

Is appropriately inclusive

Uses accessible language—avoids jargon and is not patronizing

Has demonstrated a balanced approach

Addresses the appropriate age range

Is referenced where appropriate

Is attractively designed and presented

Clearly acknowledges any commercial interests and/or biases

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

Hello classmates I found this article very interesting.

Children spend more time in school than almost anywhere else. At school, recess provides one of the few opportunities for children to play and to potentially be outdoors. Gallup conducted a nationwide survey of 1,951 elementary school principals from urban, suburban, and rural schools to understand principals’ attitudes and experiences with recess. A few of the key findings include: 1) more than 80% of principals reported that recess has a positive impact on academic achievement; 2) 75% of principals stated that students are more focused in class after recess and listen better; and 3) more than 95% of principals believe that recess positively impacts students’ social development and general well-being. Despite these benefits, researchers found that many principals reported offering very limited recess times. For example, 50% of principals reported that students receive 30 minutes or less of recess per day. In addition, over 75% of principals reported taking recess away from students as a punishment. According to principals, one of the biggest challenges with recess is discipline-related problems. Principals identified additional staff, better equipment, and playground management training as ways to improve recess at schools.
Reference;
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2010). the state of play: Gallup survey of principals on school recess. Retrieved from

http://www.childrenandnature.org/research/volumes/C106/106

My Personal Research Journey

 My Personal Research Journey

I choose the topic title “Technology and Young Children”. I will be focusing on iPads in the kindergarten classroom.  I haven’t been able to find credible resources on iPads in the kindergarten classroom especially but, I have found credible resources on other technology used in kindergarten classrooms. Classmates do any of you have any advice or insights that might help me with this process?

Times are continually changing. During the time I was in kindergarten the learning tools was books, paper, and pencil. The reason why I choose the topic “Technology and Young Children” is to learn how iPads increase children knowledge in reading and math.

My research terminology has been enlightened since constructing the research chart; it has really made me look at research in a different way.