The Effectiveness of a Cultural Competency Curriculum Taught to Middle School Students

Session Number

Project ID: MEDH 25

Advisor(s)

David Lundgren; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Dr. Soumya Anjur; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Biology Faculty

Discipline

Medical and Health Sciences

Start Date

22-4-2020 9:10 AM

End Date

22-4-2020 9:25 AM

Abstract

The experiences that occur in the lives of students nearing adolescence greatly influence the way they choose to act. Therefore, a curriculum was developed for middle school students reaching the age of adolescence, aiming to educate and inform these students on what it means to be culturally competent and the importance of a culturally competent society which they have the ability to influence. Because being culturally competent is such an important life skill, allowing for an understanding of one’s own view of the world, the goal is to make it a part of education to develop broader knowledge of culture and how to use it to more effectively communicate even when exposed to only an isolated environment like a middle school. We conducted research testing the effectiveness of this newly constructed curriculum by comparing the results of a survey given to the participants before and after being taught the curriculum. Data collected from these surveys was compared to analyze the impact of the curriculum. Social media is a platform that allows people to share parts of their lives with others. Considering how much information about a person is available online through social media, individuals of all ages are affected by social media. More specifically, their mental health is affected both negatively and positively by the interactions they have while using different platforms. To determine the relationship between students and the effects of social media on their mental health, we developed a survey. However, the survey has yet to be sent out and data that determines if there is a relationship between mental health and social media has yet to be collected.

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Apr 22nd, 9:10 AM Apr 22nd, 9:25 AM

The Effectiveness of a Cultural Competency Curriculum Taught to Middle School Students

The experiences that occur in the lives of students nearing adolescence greatly influence the way they choose to act. Therefore, a curriculum was developed for middle school students reaching the age of adolescence, aiming to educate and inform these students on what it means to be culturally competent and the importance of a culturally competent society which they have the ability to influence. Because being culturally competent is such an important life skill, allowing for an understanding of one’s own view of the world, the goal is to make it a part of education to develop broader knowledge of culture and how to use it to more effectively communicate even when exposed to only an isolated environment like a middle school. We conducted research testing the effectiveness of this newly constructed curriculum by comparing the results of a survey given to the participants before and after being taught the curriculum. Data collected from these surveys was compared to analyze the impact of the curriculum. Social media is a platform that allows people to share parts of their lives with others. Considering how much information about a person is available online through social media, individuals of all ages are affected by social media. More specifically, their mental health is affected both negatively and positively by the interactions they have while using different platforms. To determine the relationship between students and the effects of social media on their mental health, we developed a survey. However, the survey has yet to be sent out and data that determines if there is a relationship between mental health and social media has yet to be collected.