Optional Question of the Week (Other Topics Welcome)

How does race, ethnicity, and language influence theory, practice, and policy in education?

Race, ethnicity and language all influences theory, practice and policy in education because all of these concepts are what makes up a human being. There are many different types of students in a classroom that come from all different types of backgrounds, are of different races and speak different languages. Still, every student has the right to an education. To understand the influence of race, ethnicity and language on theory, practice and policy in education, it is important to understand the meanings of these concepts.

A race is a group that is treated as distinct in society based on certain characteristics. Because of their biological or cultural characteristics, which are labeled as inferior by powerful groups in society, a race is often singled out for differential and unfair treatment. It is not the biological characteristics that define racial groups, but how groups have been treated historically and socially. Society assigns people to racial categories (White, Black, etc.) not because of science or fact, but because of opinion and social experience. In other words, how racial groups are defined is a social process; it is socially constructed.

An ethnic group is a social category of people who share a common culture, such as a common language, a common religion, or common norms, customs, practices, and history. Ethnic groups have a consciousness of their common cultural bond. An ethnic group does not exist simply because of the common national or cultural origins of the group. However, they develop because of their unique historical and social experiences, which become the basis for the group’s ethnic identity.

Language is the way of communication in various ways whether it be sign language or language developed from many parts of the world. Language is learned and developed. It can be hard to learn another way of communication when one has grew up knowing one way. However, learning other forms of communication expands one's mind and makes them appreciate their language, other languages and the people that speak those other languages.

In teacher preparation, we should address diversity as a critical component in effective teacher interaction with students in an increasingly multicultural population. Race, ethnicity and language all play a part in the practice of teaching, the philosophy of education and the policy that education stands on. No child should be left behind and so we as teachers need to make sure that we embrace diversity in the classroom and meet the needs and interests of every student. Creating a conducive environment that would motivate students to be eager to learn is an important key in pedagogy.