In light of the tragic circumstances the United States has faced in the past two weeks, The Reflector decided to take a look at one teacher who incorporates various religions and their practices into his teachings. Stephen Cottrell, a world geography teacher at MSU, said he feels it is important to teach his students about the things, places and ideas that he is most familiar with through the exploration of the learning process.
“I am a firm believer in teaching what you know,” Cottrell said. “My forte is Southeast Asia and Central America. I can’t pick up my students and travel around the world each semester, but I still attempt to show them other ways of life to which they are not accustomed.”
Cottrell takes his students on weekend trips to introduce them to different religious cultures. By the end of the semester, students experience Judaism, Christianity and Islam firsthand.
“We have to spice up students’ lives. They have great potential, and teachers must find those who are hungry to learn,” Cottrell said.
Cottrell takes his students to the annual Latin festival, the Hindu temple in Jackson, the Roman Catholic Church, the Islamic center and to a Buddhist temple in Bayou LaBatrie, Ala.
“I take students to the Buddhist temple in Bayou LaBatrie where they get a chance to celebrate the Cambodian New Year with the monks,” Cottrell said.
Cottrell said the trip allows his students to truly be in the minority, a chance to meet the monks and an opportunity to learn Buddhist chants and dances.
“Upon arriving, the Cambodian people welcomed us graciously and encouraged us to take part in their New Year’s celebration,” former student Nikka Malone said. “The various trips were a real eye-opener and a great opportunity to experience another culture firsthand.”
Cottrell’s students said his unique teaching style allows them to understand different cultures and actually experience various lifestyles.
“It is one thing to sit in a classroom and hear about others’ ways,” student Garett LaFleur said. “It is a totally different thing to actually experience other people’s cultures by sharing in ancient traditions, learning cultural dances and tasting a variety of unique foods.”
Cottrell recognizes the importance of taking his students to Friday afternoon prayers at the Islamic center, in Starkville.
“It is neat for my students to see that women and men can’t integrate during meals, that women must wear head scarves at all times and that women
and men pray separately in the temple, both with their shoes off.”
Cottrell gives students information on the importance of other religious beliefs. He said it is important for students to be understanding of others’ ways even if they differ from their own beliefs.
Cottrell said he only takes students on the outings who are truly ready to learn about the lives of others. He said you learn by doing, and he wants his students to learn as much as possible while under his guidance.