One of the ways I incorporate diversity and critical thinking in my classes is through the use of voices from outside of the academic world. I believe that there are many different perspectives worthy of students’ consideration, and many different ways of knowing that can enhance students’ understanding of sociological ideas and theories. I encourage my students to challenge their preconceived notions about the human experience and to realize that each different viewpoint can deepen our knowledge and understanding of the world around us. I incorporate works of fiction, podcasts, poetry, videos, and materials from social activists, music, and documentaries to highlight the voices of those who are often silenced or underrepresented. Pairing these resources with sociological theory gives students a deeper understanding of both the social world and the personal experiences of marginalized groups. Additionally, through these sources I am able to show my students that one does not necessarily need to be a sociologist to use a sociological imagination throughout their life and career.
|
I see my role as an educator to inspire and promote a questioning of the world and our social structure. Through reading, writing, and reflection I teach and encourage students to see the world in a new way. I emphasize to my students that I will be continually asking them to step outside of their comfort zones, to think in new and critical ways about the world around them. I explain to my students that being uncomfortable is sometimes a necessary part of understanding the experiences of others and that this can be an incredibly worthwhile and illuminating experience. Through my classes I strive to introduce students to the voices of those who have been marginalized and forgotten, pushed to the edges of society and made invisible by our culture.
|