Attitude – so has my attitude changed?

As I reflect back on this course I can honestly say that my attitude towards this course in particular has changed.  So I shall begin this blog by briefly discussing just what an attitude is and why it is important.  Attitudes are a central part of human individuality and can be a favourable or unfavourable evaluation of something.  It is important to keep in mind that an attitude which can generally be a negative or positive view of a person, place, thing or event is referred to as the attitude object.  Thus an attitude object can represent anything a person discriminates on holds in mind.  People often exhibit both a positive and negative attitude toward an item in question.    

The importance of one’s attitude should not be underestimated as it is an extremely important link between information we receive and how we ultimately respond to this information.  The first weekend of class provided much in the way of information received, thus my attitude was affected by a number of variables.  Initially I would describe my attitude as somewhat ambivalent, meaning that I was unsure of what to expect and undecided about my feelings.  I actually felt both a positive and negative attitude towards this course.  What would become extremely important in this process were the student/teacher relationships, the student/student relationships, the curriculum content and blogging requirements, as well as the perceived teaching method.

Attitudes become significant because they determine just how we will react to certain social stimuli - they affect how we feel and how we act.  On an individual level attitudes will influence one’s perception, one’s thinking, one’s behaviour and other attitudes.  On an interpersonal level information about attitudes is often requested and communicated.  This is important because knowing about other’s attitudes helps us to know what to expect.  On a societal level attitudes are important in one’s group or community of practice (CoP) and other groups, as it influences both group cooperation and conflict.

Student/Teacher Relationships - speaking strictly for myself, although we are members of an Africentric Cohort, I for one did not anticipate or expect that all of our professors would be Black.  I do, however acknowledge that this particular ‘elephant in the room’ has indeed affected some attitudes.  What has affected my attitude in particular was based more on the trajectory of, and effectiveness of the teacher as both academic success and student behaviour can be influenced by the quality of one’s teacher.  An effective teacher regardless of one’s colour must be concerned about the student as an individual and must recognize and be sensitive to the diversity of all students.  Cultural diversity in a classroom can and should be a source of knowledge and mutual enrichment for both a student and a teacher.  Thus I would have to say that my learning experience was not affected by a negative attitude in this particular area. 

Student/Student Relationships – the Africentric Cohort Program represents a very unique opportunity for us as a group of Black students to pursue a Masters Degree.  No where throughout my educational experience have I had an opportunity to be part of a group of all Black students.  In this particular area what I have experienced firsthand among fellow students is a connection and a feeling of acceptance.  Students in this program have exhibited to a large degree, feelings of engagement, extensive support, acceptance, encouragement, and connection.  What we as students share and have in common is a willingness to learn together, to work together and a desire to take risks associated with intellectual growth and development.

Curriculum Content – the curriculum content at most educational institutions which is Eurocentric and male-centered often excludes and disregards the history and culture of others.  Although the assigned readings by authors Wenger, Bracher and Tomasello have all been instrumental in my educational experience, I do feel that the course content would have been enhanced by incorporating a more inclusive curriculum.  This approach is imperative in analyzing issues of differences among groups, thus the inclusion and integration of Africentric scholars would have no doubt enhanced our learning experience.

Perceived Teaching Method/Blogging - it did come as bit of a surprise, which I discussed in one of my previous blogs, that ‘blogging’ would be a big part of our assignments.  Initially I admit that I was neither pleased nor enthusiastic about this particular task, yet my attitude towards this has changed significantly.  Through the process of blogging I have become more comfortable with writing and I have thoroughly enjoyed the exposure to an assortment of topics and viewpoints presented by fellow students. 

Although my attitude was affected by many other variables, both in and outside the classroom, I feel these particular items deserved mention.  We all exhibit both positive and negative attitudes towards certain things, but what I have found is that a generally positive attitude can help to put things in perspective.  Without, I hope sounding too cliché, problems encountered become challenges which can and often are overcome.

References

 Bohner, G & Wanke. M. (2003). Attitudes and Attitude Change. New York: Taylor & 
    Francis Inc.