*A note on terminology:

Given that my inquiry question is on such a widely discussed topic, the conversation around the subject engages quite generally in everyday terms.  I have noted a handful of terms that I think might be helpful or relevant to the discussion around my inquiry topic, and have provided personal definitions of how I understand these terms and have used them in my inquiry.

Self-reflexivity: how we as individuals reflect on our identities and experiences, and how these two outcomes are related and influence each other

Community: this concept varies based on context, but for the purposes of the classroom context, I understand ‘community’ as 1) a tangible group of people who gather together and have shared commonalities (these can be characteristics, experiences, beliefs); 2) an intangible feeling of belonging to a collective

Power: a force that distinguishes between individuals creating distinction about access reflected institutionally by creating access for some and barriers for other

Respect: recognizing individuality, even if there is disagreement, allowing the individual to be themselves

Intersectionality: the overlap and interconnectedness of class, sex/gender, race and ethnicity as it manifests in the individual and other social issues, such as disadvantage.

Diversity: multiplicity of viewpoints on topics- in this case related to race and ethnicity, cultural background, learning styles, hobbies, etc.

Culture: social values and norms that are practiced and accepted by a community