Introduction: Personal background
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I hold certain personal frames of reference regarding cultural, linguistic, and gender differences. I see my life and work as having implications for society, and I strive to live in ways that align with the teachings of Jesus. I view my vocation as an opportunity to serve others and promote human flourishing. I believe that the gospel offers hope for restoring individuals, families, communities, and societies and that my work is part of God's calling on my life. I believe that salvation comes through Jesus Christ and involves the redemption of the whole person, including compassion and care for physical needs. I believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ and see evangelism and societal engagement as duties of the Christian life. I aim to demonstrate the love of Jesus and shape society using the principles of his Kingdom (One Foundation: Grand Canton University, 2023).
Personal biases and their effect on diversity and the learning environment
As a person and educator, I need to understand and recognize the role that my background and frames of reference can play in creating unconscious bias in my relationships with students and families. By being aware of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, I can consciously be inclusive and respectful of all cultures, languages, and beliefs (Donahue, 2022). My belief in Jesus Christ and the gospel's teachings significantly shape my frames of reference. Still, I recognize the importance of examining my biases to avoid transmitting them to students. By becoming more aware of my biases, I can strive to support diverse groups of students and families, promoting human flourishing and serving others through my work.
While my background and frames of reference stem from my Christian beliefs, they can still lead to unconscious biases in my design instruction. However, it is possible to become more aware of these biases and work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students. By being mindful of potential language barriers, cultural differences, and the cultural implications of content, I can create instructions that are accessible to all students. Additionally, by examining my prejudices and biases, I have the potential to become a better supporter of diverse groups of students (Donahue, 2022). Ultimately, I aim to approach my vocation with the love of Jesus and align my work with the principles of his Kingdom while being mindful of its impact on others.
As a teacher, I must recognize and understand my background and frames of reference, as they can unconsciously create bias in the classroom environment. I can strive to create a respectful and supportive classroom for all students by promoting open communication and creating an inclusive environment....
…Canton University, 2023).
As a Christian, I believe faith should play a role in my work and classroom. According to the "Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work," the gospel message promotes goodness and justice, which can be used to further the greater good in society through education. In the classroom, this means creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where differences are celebrated, and respect is taught and demonstrated for all people of different backgrounds and abilities (One Foundation: Grand Canton University, 2023).
However, several studies have concluded that personal bias and religious beliefs can impact one's worldview and decision-making, leading to negative cognitive processes and biases in reasoning (Daws and Hampshire, 2017). To counteract these biases, I will strive to make decisions based on intuition and logic and remain open-minded and flexible in my thinking.
Incorporating Christian values in a multicultural classroom can lead to compassion and respect for all people. Through faith, I sese my work as an opportunity to serve others and promote human flourishing. I strive to shape a welcoming and inclusive environment where differences are celebrated and respect is taught and demonstrated for all students. At the same time, I am aware of the potential negative impact of personal bias and religious beliefs. I work to counteract it by making decisions based on intuition and logic and remaining open-minded and flexible in…
