Education Across Cultures: Beliefs and Practices in Schools and Families

EDST 135 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Education is a universal human activity, but how it is understood and practiced vary widely across cultures. When immersed in our own upbringing and educational experiences, we can easily take our beliefs and practices for granted, while overlooking cross-cultural variation and making inaccurate generalization about people from different backgrounds. That is why it is important to take a cross-cultural approach in the study of education. It not only helps us understand the diversity and universalities in educational practices around the world, but also invites us to see our own experiences in a new light and reflect on how our beliefs about learning, teaching, and parenting have been shaped by our cultural backgrounds.

In this course, we will examine the interplay between education and culture, focusing on beliefs and practices in schools and families across various cultures. Specifically, we will investigate how cultural values and assumptions shape parent-child interactions, teacher-student dynamics, teaching and learning approaches, and educational systems. We will also consider how these factors impact child development, student well-being and academic achievement, and the experiences of immigrant and international students. 

Course Notes

This course counts for the Certificate for Civic Engagement. The Certificate for Civic Engagement recognizes Harvard College students who have demonstrated sustained participation in public service and civic involvement during their undergraduate experience.