Mod 7 Discussion: Language and Learning

In the article "Ethnic Diversity in Materials Science and Engineering" the National Science Foundation found that there were not enough ethnic diversity among students enrolled in the different programs cultivating the knowledge in fields such as technology, science, technology and engineering.  Their finds were demonstrated in the content of the report.  Their proposal sought to encourage more minorities and multicultural diversity among students.   

The impact that culture has upon an individual can play a very important role learning process.  It can create learning biases that affect the way in which someone views the others around them i.e., when a person feels they are not smart in mathematics or reading they tend to steer away from those areas that are more heavily indoctrinated in those particular areas.  

The article goes on to state that when a cultural bias is realized, it should be changed to a more positive view which would incline the student to pursue courses or academia that would strengthen those areas to help overcome the cultural bias.  So culture and cultural biases are very strong venues that need to be overcome to help people as a whole be more accepting in the world around them.

The cultural knowledge within the multicultural themes are also factors that play distinct roles on society as a whole.  As a person learns more about the diversity in culture and realizes that people from various aspects of society have different values and views and even ideologies, customs, and beliefs, it helps them to become more understanding and tolerate of others.

The article went on to say that academic leaders should play a role to incorporate more participation in the cultural changes.