Global Awareness

I decided to create a lesson that allows the students to learn about cultural diversity in the health care setting.  As allied health students, they will be serving people from many different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.  It is important for them to understand how to interact with people who may not understand American culture, or practice the beliefs that are common to us.

I discovered a website called healthcarechaplaincy.org that includes a learning module that assists health care workers address issues of cultural and spiritual diversity.  It also provides resources that will encourage the students to explore and understand their own heritage and beliefs.

Certain cultural and spiritual subjects can be very sensitive to approach with patients.  In this lesson, students will learn how to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and respect.

The lesson involves having the students read the learning module to get a basic understanding of a wide range of cultures.  They must then interview someone from their community that is from a different culture, religion, or ethnic group.  The students will be provided with a copy of the questions they are required to ask, but may add any additional questions as they seem fit.  The questions cover a range of topics that address how they deal with sickness, dietary beliefs, language, religious practices and beliefs, and personal space.  The students are also instructed to be respectful of all answers.

Once they have completed the online learning module and conducted the interview, the students will choose a cultural or religious group to research, and construct a flip book containing the information they learned.  The flip book must include information that covers the group's country of origin, family structure and values, religious and spiritual beliefs, dietary practices, concepts of health, communication, and social interaction.  The students will share their books with the others in the class.