Multicultural Education

During this course I had the benefit of exploring different SES, different communities and sections of the United States, the people that live there and their cultures and religions. All of this knowledge makes it easier to understand and teach the students in my classroom.

I learned that every SES comes with its own unique issues, that I need to be able to recognize these problems and how best to address them. For instance, I learned that children from very high SES are often left on their own more often and often do not have school supplies or lunch. I also learned that just because someone defines themselves middle class they may not be. I need to be aware of projects and lessons I create needing supplies that may cost money or require running around to acquire.

I particularly enjoyed addressing awkward questions that may arise and how best to handle them; exampled by the question of why a student had two mommies. The question of what to do when planning for an event that clashes with a student’s religion got me to think about how important it is to know your students and use pre-planning skills.

The chapters that addressed communities and their own cultural makeup and the importance of being aware of the state or area you are teaching in were extremely helpful. It made me realize that I may need to be creative in hitting the benchmarks required of me but also adjusting to the area in which I work.

It is especially important to undersand that each student regardless of their background has their own personal issues and needs. I need to have the skills to adjust my teaching and know how to accomodate each student.

I truly enjoyed the class and even if a topic arose that I was familiar with I ended up learning even more! It is so important that we teach diversity especially in America because we are such a diverse country.

Maintenance Approach vs. Transitional Bilingual

Maintenance Approach vs. Transitional Bilingual

With the rising rate of English language learners in Florida schools, up 18% per an article for Central Florida Matters in April of 2011 (cmfmedia.org), teachers and schools must be prepared to utilize and provide appropriate programs. There are two programs currently used in our schools, but which one has the best approach, the maintenance approach or the transitional bilingual?

With the maintenance approach, also known as the developmental approach, the student has the best of both worlds. The student is able to retain their native language and culture, use this familiar knowledge to continue academic instruction while learning the English language and culture. This program keeps the student on a forward moving academic path, maintains self esteem, and the student in the end is bicultural and bilingual. Two reasons this is the best possible solution, one the student does not see one culture more important than the other and secondly this student will be able to navigate the global market more effectively.

The Transitional bilingual program uses the native language to assist the student in continuing their academic studies while learning the English language and culture. As the student becomes more proficient in using English the native language is slowly dropped. In the end the student does not use the native language or retain the native culture unless at home; the student is not truly bilingual in tongue or culture. This student is left with the feeling that their native culture is not valued or important to the dominant culture and in the end we have produce a student who is not ready to participate in a global market.

It is obvious that providing maintenance programs are the best choice, however they are not the norm and it is rare to find a school that offers the approach.

Issues a Teacher Must Be Aware Of

Important Issues a Teacher Must Remember

There are so many issues a teacher must address as she works to educate her students. After all students are all different, with different backgrounds and as they grow they form their own opinions through their different experiences.

There are issues that will come up when teaching each age level, these are the issues that a teacher must be aware of and know how to best address.

In the Pre- School years children are more likely to form their own prejudices, regardless of their family’s beliefs. They are more likely to attend a nursery school in their own community and less likely to have exposure to diverse cultures. It is important that an Early Childhood teacher provide opportunities for young children to experience other cultures, this will make the later years in school easier and give them the head start they will need to become globally competitive in their careers.

Child abuse can happen at any grade level, a teacher needs to be able to recognize physical and mental abuse. Proper, informative sex education courses need to be integrated at all grade levels, this will reduce diseases, teen pregnancy and educators can inform students in a positive manner.

In middle school years and then entering high school, students are at greater risk for entering gangs, illegal activity, substance abuse, violence and teen suicide. It is important for a teacher to be aware of warning signs for all these areas, not be afraid to discuss these issues openly with students, or approach a student that is showing signs of trouble. Most importantly, a teacher needs to know the school’s policy on how best to handle these situations and the agencies and resources available.

With the help of parents, school administration and teachers who are aware of what issues affect a child’s age group, children can have a positive school career and have a smooth transition into adulthood.

Which geographical area I want to work in.

The Ideal Area to Teach

Where is the perfect area to teach; is it the city, a small town, should it be the East or West Coast, do you prefer warm or cooler weather?

For me it is not about the perfect place to teach, but where can I get a job! Oh, of course in a perfect world, it would be close to home, in a great neighborhood, and all the resources I need to be a successful teacher at my fingertips. But today that is not a realistic ideal; with so many teachers out of work we may not have the opportunity to be choosey.

I am going back to school later in life, my kids are older and it is my turn to start a second career (my first being a full time mom, with part time jobs).  I also decided that going back to school for a professional career was something I needed to do for myself. I could have gone to school for business, I always wanted to run my own store, but I realized that because of my own children and my strong beliefs in education, that being in the classroom and teaching was a much better fit. That being said, I now NEED to find a job after I graduate, I must pay off a student loan and start contributing financially to my household.

There is a second point, when considering this question that popped into my head, “a teacher goes where they are needed, and can to the most good”. I know this sounds a little idealistic, but I have talked with many teachers since starting my observations, and 2 of them specifically changed assignments to work where they felt their skills were best utilized. I would like to think, as a new teacher fresh from school, that I could have a positive impact on my students.

So for now, I have to say I will go where I am given an opportunity and see where my experiences lead me!

Accomodating Exceptional Students

    

Accommodating Exceptional Students

When setting up my classroom for the year, I need to consider my students with special needs. Many of the accommodations I can make are simple, inexpensive and can be an added benefit for all students in the classroom.

The first accommodation I could make is simply providing enough space for all to maneuver easily and safely through the classroom. If I were to have a student in a wheelchair, I would need to make sure there is plenty of space for him to enter any of the centers, reach books and resources, and move about the classroom.

 For a student who requires a personal assistant, I can provide a space with table and chairs. I can set aside space for a computer, or to store any needed resources.

Another simple idea is to post signs at all centers with clear, concise instructions for a hearing impaired student. Including a picture with the posted instructions can help non- English speaking students and works great for younger grades, where students are just beginning to read.

When considering a student who is sight impaired, I can invite the parents to bring him/her in a little early the first day of school to explore the landscape of the room; and provide warning when something is changed. Assigning a class buddy when needed is also a simple solution.

There are so many other solutions that can be added to the classroom to accommodate exceptional students, ranging from educational computer programs, portable keyboards, for those that cannot hold a writing tool, flash cards and Power Points that the student can use over and over. It just takes a little research, planning and creativity to make the classroom work for all students.



question #8

Prayer in Public Schools

 There are three points to remember when considering this question; schools are public institutions whose purpose is academic education, America is a very diverse nation and all religions in America are given an opportunity to practice freely without interference in accordance with the Constitution.

Public schools in America provide a basic need, to educate our citizens. It is true that the Supreme Court rulings have not infringed on those wishing to say, quietly, their own prayer during the course of the day; for example at the lunch meal. Some groups still advocate for voluntary group prayer, but would this still be voluntary if one feels the social pressure to participate?

 If we allow prayer in schools, which religions’ prayers do we choose? If we include all religious prayers equally how do we manage time constraints and should we insist on proper certification for our teachers on all religions? As someone who comes from a family of blended beliefs, it is possible to teach children to be moral citizens without infringing on anyone’s spirituality.

 It is true that in America God  is a part of many of our institutions and traditions, but it is also true that compromising the total separation of Church and State would affect the very institutions that seek the freedom to practice in America. These are the institutions that one can go to pray and be surrounded by others who choose the same belief and find spiritual comfort there. Let's leave prayer out of the schools.

 Strategies for Teaching All Students Effectively

There are many strategies I could use to ensure all my students learn effectively in my classroom. The first step is to know my students, secondly, I need to make sure all my students participate in class and lastly, I could let my students have more control over what interests them.  

“Know your audience…” just like this well used quote suggests, I need to know my students. By taking some time to learn a little about my class, I can better provide examples of great achievers from both genders, diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, to any of my lessons. I could even invite guest speakers to speak on a topic. This simple but effective strategy will build self esteem and confidence in my students as well as teach tolerance.

There are also many ways to make sure all students participate during lessons in the classroom. I’ll choose student’s names randomly during a lesson so not to miss anyone and give girls leadership opportunities. I also need to avoid unintentional stereotyping; boys and girls can be equally good at a subject that interests them.

Lastly, by giving my students more control over a lesson I can learn more about what interests them and areas they need bolstering . I have seen students become more interested in a lesson they have more control over. And finally, I’ll provide an open classroom where they are allowed to express themselves freely in a safe learning environment.

Blog question 4

Chapter 3

Understanding Your Students

A teacher’s job first and foremost is to make sure their students can learn effectively. In considering this statement teachers must recognize that all students are different in many ways. One difference that a teacher may forget to consider, is the socio-economic difference of their students. A student’s ability to learn, participate fully in homework, school projects and activities, even snack and lunch can be affected by their socio-economic status. There are many things a teacher can do to make sure differences in socioeconomic backgrounds do not affect a student’s learning process.

A good start is to check your own prejudices and learn to overcome them; because they will surface later in unexpected ways and always cause a problem. This will avoid self-fulfilling prophecies about your student’s academic abilities. Get to know your students first, their families and the area the school is in.

To avoid classism or grouping a student based on non- academic motivations, take the first couple of weeks at the beginning of the new school year to get to know your students. Placing students in groups and centers that are most effective for learning and using authenticity during lessons will raise confidence, enthusiasm and self esteem. As a teacher, make sure you are asking the most of all your students challenge them to foster higher order thinking. Be able and willing to adjust your lesson if necessary to accommodate your students. Always be aware of planning activities and projects that may require costly items, not all students can afford them.  

The key is to be thoughtful, understanding and to show respect, soon your students will quickly learn to do the same.

The Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was the beginning of America’s modern journey towards equality. This movement opened doors and gave a voice, for those that suffered from segregation and prejudice, including African Americans, Women, Native Americans, Latinos, other people of color, and all of those denied their right to strive for the American dream. Great historical figures like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, César Chavez who co-founded the United Farm Workers, Gloria Steinman and Betty Freidan who helped define modern feminism, and Harvey Milk who fought to extend full civil rights to gay Americans. This movement inspired those that were never represented in history textbooks, to explore their history and call for a change; this allowed all students to learn from great historical figures, regardless of race or ethnicity. The civil rights movement has allowed society to take a hard look at injustice and continue the goal of striving towards equality.   Today that fight for equality continues.

 Many groups seek equality based on socioeconomic status now that ethnically diverse classrooms are widely accepted. This is not to say there are not cries for justice based on race, but it is the differences in socioeconomic status that  have created a much larger need for equality today. In the 1980’s a change in policy relaxed the school integration laws, as a result America regressed to a neighborhood school, separating students by class, (Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society, pg. 50). Poorer neighborhoods have a higher population of minority groups; the numbers range from 59% to 89%, as of 2003, (www.asap-spssi.org , Topolski) and they do not benefit from quality, or hefty resources.

According to the 2006 census report, single women caring for children make up almost 30% of America’s poor. Women still strive for equal pay to that of a male’s in the same profession. It is because of the Civil Rights movement that these issues have been brought to light, as well as paving a way for those that are disabled. One example of a positive move forward, is the Rehabilitation Act, passed in the early 1970’s.

America’s strive for equality is a continuing fight, but it is the Civil Rights Movement that has opened a door to these issues and forced our society to take action in a positive direction.

Cultural Diversity in the Classroom

I remember having a discussion in history class, and something the Professor said that I remembered was, “everyone just wants to be heard and understood”. I believe this statement expresses why, it is important to teach cultural diversity in the classroom. Three positive results can come from exposing students to different cultures; it creates a safe productive learning environment, students can broaden their experiences, and students see that even though they are different they all have commonalities.

If every student feels respected and understood it creates a safe learning environment. A child with a strong self esteem is less likely to feel disenfranchised and express anger towards others. A teacher who builds a classroom free of sexism, racism, and discrimination can prove that a truly democratic environment can be a creative and productive one where students can exchange ideas and work together.

Students who are exposed to other cultures have a chance to broaden their experiences, not unlike those who have had an opportunity to travel. A teacher who understands the importance of cultural diversity in the classroom and what discourages it can give students new knowledge to draw from.

As students learn about different cultures, they will also see that as people we are all not that different. The need to discourage stereotyping and prejudice would not be necessary, students’ exposure to other cultures would erase fear, and inevitably show how we are all connected and even have similar goals.

Let us be practical for a moment, we live in a very global world, it is imperative we get along with other nations, to ensure productive business and trade, technology to improve our lives as well as health and well being. Teaching cultural diversity in the classroom just makes sense.

Why I Choose Teaching

   My name is Michelle Myerson, and yes this is the first time I have ever created a blog! I am currently  a full time student at Seminole State College with hopes of getting a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. I have three children, a 21 year old boy, a 18 year old boy, and a 16 year old girl. I realized as my children were going off to college themselves, this was a perfect opportunity for me to finish my college degree. Unlike the first time I started community college back in the late 80s, I have a career choice in mind this time around, I would like to be a teacher.

     For years I volunteered in my children's classrooms, I have enjoyed every minute and truly missed those times when working a full time job did not allow much time in a classroom. After I spoke with my academic counselor I realized teaching would be the perfect fit for me and a true challenge.

    Last term I took an Introduction to Education course and it opened my eyes to the difference between volunteering and being the teacher in charge! I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with an experienced elementary teacher who has taken me under her wing. I am in awe at her ability to manage a full classroom of 3rd graders and never miss a beat. Mrs. Larson has shown me how flexible I will need to be when dealing with a full class of students all with different backgrounds, learning issues and personalities.

    I am particularly excited about taking Introduction to Diversity for Educators, as I have met teachers in the past who teach special needs students, but never had the chance to sit and talk with them or observe their classrooms. I am also excited to learn how to expose the students to different cultures and languages in the daily lesson plan, as this is something I feel very strongly about. I have observed Mrs. Larson infuse a lesson with words form another language, food and holidays from other cultures, and saw how excited the students were.

   I know this class will give me that extra tool and skill I need to be a successful teacher to all the students in my classroom.