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.