Socio/Cultural Differences in Approaching Learning and Outreach: a Hispanic American Perspective

Marcelo E. Vazquez, MD, PhD

NSBRI

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

•Family of educators.

•TA during Medical School

•Chief Resident, Radiation Therapy

•High School Programs in Space Sciences

•Director and Instructor of the NASA Space Radiation Summer School

GENERAL BACKGROUND

Target: Hispanics, undergraduate and graduate students in space sciences living in America.

Concept of Hispanic or Latino population.• Stereotype and generalizations as a barrier.• Differences between Hispanics or Latinos in America• Latino American vs. Hispanic America• Rich heritage in astronomy or the lack of.• Who cares?

WERE THEY COME FROM?

MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE?

Ethnic and cultural influences in Mesoamerica and South America.

Expand from centuries to the present day.• Native Americans• Africa (slavery)• Europe (discovery, conquest, colonies, liberation)

Immigration patterns: Spain, Italy, Portugal, etc.• United States (space program, coca cola, star wars, etc.)

How these influences affect the interest and career outcome in space science for Latinos.

Does heritage matter?

HERITAGE AND PRESENT DAY INFLUENCES

Heritage in astronomy does not play a role beyond cultural pride. Still unexplored or forgotten in Latinos at present day.

Heritage connection differs from South American cultures. Example:

Argentinean vs. Mexican or Peruvian

More important:• Access to information• Family as a filter/barrier or facilitator for access• Socio/economical pressures.• Religion• Bias against science:

Too complicated.You will never be a rocket scientist!The Math monster!!!!!!

PERSONAL LESSONS:

Not many Latinos reach high levels in education or as a role models in space sciences.

For those Latinos who reached a high level of interest in space sciences the cultural differences or particularities have less impact.

They are already assimilated to the usual expectations or even surpass these expectations as students or career achievers.

Universal phenomenon: “the space bug infection”Carl Sagan path.

PERSONAL LESSONS:

Creation of opportunities for the brain (spirit…) to be open to change and challenge by our universe.

CAN WE HELP? MAYBE….

Respect to the individual culture but more important nurture the passion for discovery and wonder.

Interactive DVDs or CDs or glossy posters will not do it.

Only person to person educational experience makes the difference as well as a connection with real life experience with science.

Analogs.Site visits, research projects with real scientists, hardware, etc.Hands on experiences.

CAN WE HELP? MAYBE….

Only a well trained cadre of educators with passion in space sciences first and with state of the art media tools second, can make a difference.

Family participation critical for pre-K to high school levels.

However, the learning or outreach experience must be linked with real life issues such as:• Viable career choice (opportunities…?)• Space science can have planetary influences

(global warming, asteroid collision, etc).

WE HAVE AN UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY…….