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.