1. Advocacy /Wiki Project
Epistemologies of Ignorance in
Education
Teacher, Advocacy, and Leadership
6020 Tch Ed-Graduate Program
Dr. J. Harris-Lewis
Fall 2011
Presented By: Patricia A. French and Lauren Walls
Edited Materials, Graphics. Animations; Epistemologies of Ignorance in Education by P.A. French
Edited Materials and Graphics; Expressing Culture in the Classroom by L. Walls
What Is Epistemology ?
What is the purpose of having
Diversity in the classroom ?
References on Literacy about
Epistemology
The denotation of Epistemology
The Article: “My Name is Michael”
How to incorporate “Diversity‘ in side
of a Visual Fine Arts Classroom ?
Part II
Expressing Culture in the
Classroom
Expressing Culture in the
Classroom- Videos
Why Art is a Signature of
Diversity Culture ?
2. It is the study of the nature and grounds of
knowledge with reference to its limits and
validity.
Edited by
P. A. French
10/2011
3. Racism involves an inverted
Epistemology . . .
It is the study of the nature and
grounds of knowledge with reference
to its limits and validity.
Edited by
P. A. French
10/2011
4. The growing cultural of the world demands a focus globally on
Diversity
Grades K-12 has become a critical establish set for understanding
cultural differences
Many students K-12 experience and interface Diversity
Each teacher/educator has an opportunity to uncover how cultures
influence families, government, language and where people live . . .
Epistemology (The innocence ignorance of Epistemology)
Ignorance actually promotes racism and white privileges
(There is an oversight gap in knowledge; per research reveals this factor)
Edited by
P. A. French
10/2011
5. Reference of a book called: “Race and Epistemologies of Ignorance” authorized by
Shannon Sullivan, and Nancy Tuana
The book concludes that understanding ignorance and the politics of ignorance is
a key element of epistemology
The book discusses how ignorance is used: a study was done.
(Audience: women and men, Location: Ireland, Vision: the opinions of their
knowledge regarding the power of ignorance, intersection of power, and
identification of the ignorance.)
Discussion selected: Anti discrimination, Equality law, policy and *Praxis
(*study of the act of doing; conduct)
Reference of an article called: “Understanding Disadvantage Partly Through an
Epistemology of Ignorance” by Dermot Feenan (University of Ulster, United
Kingdom)
This article discusses the study of ignorance’s vision should be added to those
working on an intersection of power/knowledge and the identification of ignorance
may require distinctive responses. The article references other areas of anti-
discrimination and equality law, policy and praxis.
Literacy References Edited by
P. A. French
10/2011
6. The Article “ My Name is Michael” : A Lesson on the Voices We Unknowingly Silence
by Donna M. Marriott
(References: Charting A Professional Course (Issues and Controversies in Education; Part One: Students 1;
pages 3 and 4); from the Text Studying in Teacher Action, Advocacy and Leadership)
This is a true story that is very haunting because of the impact; it will impact on the child’s
experience as a student in an educational institution that unknowingly practices out of pure ignorance's.
(Epistemology)
.
What strategies will you use to acquaint yourself with the students you will teach?
The Secretary at
the school
hands the child
over to the
Teacher
This incident
occurs too often in
our schools.
The child is
actually placed in
whatever seat is
available in a
classroom.
In the interim the
child is confused
about why they
are not calling him
by his name!
The teacher
continues to label
his name as
“Michael”.
There was no
introduction given
to the Teacher
about the child.
“His name is
Michael”
Edited by
P. A. French
10/2011
7. The Classroom has all the elements of
Learning:
Child Direct Leaning
Meaning of a driven curriculum
Responsive Teaching
Authentic Assessment
Beneath the ‘Best
Practice” revealed the
layers of ignorance.
As a result:
a traumatic
experience
for the child.
Edited by
P. A. French
10/2011
8. Incorporating ‘Diversity” inside a Visual Fine Arts Classroom:
Video References :
http://www.teachersofcolor.com/
Expressions : Understanding Diversity
Videos Expressing Understanding Diversity
Why diversity is important? Diversity for Children.
http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQ1Ffk1K04&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MfzFLuJj6g&feature=related
Edited by P. A. French
10/2011
9. More Videos for References: . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze0UsWKXGQw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIvK5lTYr9Y&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2PgFn01mEk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu3hUlWr3u8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbR7d_QGrZM&feature=related
Edited by P. A. French
10/2011
10. Educational Resources:
Lesson Plans, Teaching Materials, Teachers Guide,
Topics: Pilgrimage and Buddhist Art and Centers of Learning.
References: (PBS-Microsoft Internet provided by Instructional Computing)
http://www.pbs.org/thebuddha/lesson-plans/
Edited by P. A. French
10/2011
11. Why Is Art a Signature of Culture?
Art serves as the primary signature of a culture. Our collective images
and ideas transporting from one generation to another is the objective
of the signature.
Art is a very distinctive way of understanding and giving purpose to
learning. It navigates tools for interpreting life’s experiences and
develop a child’s identity and sense of self-worth.
The integrity of a Visual Arts curriculum depends on it’s diversity,
integration, and exploration of creative problem solving. Art education
is a golden opportunity for students to encourage and effect the
student’s environment. The sharing of feelings and impact others while
encouraging self-discipline.
Art is a motion vehicle for knowing and understanding the world and
our heritage.
It is an active-live experimental learning in a very meaningful context.
Art is an essential part of the curriculum.
Edited by
P. A. French
10/2011
13. Expressing Culture in the Classroom
Culture refers to one's way of life encompassing everything
from beliefs, language, social interaction and creative
expression. One's culture is represented through various
actions both verbal and nonverbal. The way you dress for
example, says a lot about your cultural identity. Language,
values and beliefs are also huge cultural identifiers.
Expressing culture is often not a concern especially for
members of the dominant culture. For members of different
cultures however cultural differences are evident and
sometimes difficult to express. Being able to express your
cultural identity is of huge importance and contributes to
one's development cognitively and socially. Cultural
expression is empowering and promotes diversity and
tolerance to diversity.
14. In the classroom culture is often of least concern for teachers.
With all the hype of testing and pressure to make AYP teachers
often don't have time to address culture in the classroom.
However, recognizing cultural differences among students is
beneficial to the students and to the classroom as a whole. Many
teachers attest that "we are all the same" and don't acknowledge
differences among students. However this attempt to promote
social community actually has the opposite effect. Refusal to
recognize differences can make students feel isolated and inferior
decreasing classroom community. Acknowledging culture helps
students feel validated and promotes social inclusion which
creates a positive classroom community. There are several ways
teachers can promote cultural expression in the classroom. Art,
Music, materials and Literature are all excellent ways teachers
can address cultural differences in the classroom.
15. Art
Children can express culture through a variety of art activities. Art is
a great way to add cultural awareness to the lesson plan. Children
can make masks or other representations of culture to reinforce and
reflect cultural heritage. Children can also learn about colors and
what certain colors stand for in difference cultures. Displaying art is
also a way to reinforce cultural awareness and show an appreciation
for different types of art. Through art children not only express
emotions but express their identity. Providing various art materials
and examples is a great way to promote cultural expression in the
classroom.
Click on this link for more information about cultural expression
through art
Preschool express
Teaching Culture through Art
16. Literature
Books are an excellent way to introduce cultural differences to the
class. Reading books that represent people of various backgrounds
makes it more likely that all children will be represented. This teaches
students about other heritages while making all students feel valued
and important. Books introduce children to the vast amount of
information and diversity in the world.
Children should also be encouraged to share personal stories with the
class. Children may talk about special occasions their family celebrates
or traditions they participate in. This helps teachers gain insight into
the child's world and strengthens social ties between classmates and
the teacher.
Books ideas
17. Materials
Dramatic play is an excellent way children can express culture and
explore new materials. In dramatic play children take on roles,
express themselves and interact with peers. Since dramatic play
promotes socio-dramatic play it is a great place to introduce culture.
The dramatic play center should have various materials to represent
other cultures, such as dolls of various skin tones and facial features,
clothes wore by other ethnic groups and foods and utensils not
normally found in U.S culture. For older children having a variety of
materials is also helpful. Teachers can play games from around the
world or display artifacts of other cultures. This exposure to different
materials will provide children will a different outlook of the world
and make them more aware of differences among people.
18. Videos
Diversity in the Classroom
Culturally Responsive Teaching 1
Culturally Responsive Teaching 2
Teachers resources for cultural awareness
Diversity resources for Teachers
Diversity Activities
Multicultural Educations
http://www.explorations.sva.psu.edu/570/
By Lauren Walls
