American Indian Culture Case Study

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Q6. Discuss cultural characteristics of American Indians. How can you direct your perception and that of your colleagues toward a more positive viewpoint? Discuss your belief that you will treat everyone with fairness and equity. Displays beliefs that are congruent with professional and ethical standard related to the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students and is free from cultural bias?
American Indian culture is delicate and from an educator’s standpoint, it should be discussed with the utmost respect. In order to maintain a respectful level of contact in teaching, educators should be ready and willing to learn about cultural values of American Indian children and adolescents. There are many values that differentiate American Indians from that of European descent such as the ability to share (p.83). There are many ways in which sharing might be confused with stealing and when teachers or students are unaware of customs they may establish negative attitudes toward specific students. In order to treat everyone fairly, everyone should be treated respectfully. When reading about ways to build rapport with American Indian students it is easy to see and understand why all
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In American Indian culture it is not respectful to remain in eye contact with adults or elders as an adolescent (p.90). If a teacher is unknowing of this she may find that the student is being very disrespectful and or disobedient. As an educator, coworker, or student it is important to refrain from being judgemental. It would be easy to understand why a teacher or leader might be upset or even irritated with a lack of eye contact, but it should be clear that cultural values may impact one’s ability to do so. To immediately resort to anger or allow yourself to get upset before trying to understand the underlying reasons is irresponsible and not good practice in any area of