Diversity in the Classroom

Today teachers will be teaching in diverse classrooms, and it is important for teachers to know how to multiculturalize their classrooms. “In the United States today, about 1 in 5 children live with at least one foreign-born parent” (McDevitt, Ormrod 2010, 92). For children who come from a minority group their language, values, actions, and styles of communicating may differ from the main stream students (McDevitt, Ormrod 2010, 92-100). As a teacher I feel it is my responsibility to educate myself on the student’s culture to help accommodate the student.
For example in China when a student doesn’t know an answer to a question they smile. However in America it is typical for a student to smile when they know the answer to a question. This is just one example of a cultural difference a teacher may see in her classroom. I feel that it is important to help teach the child mainstream communication skills. However help the child preserve their own cultural customs.
Children form minority groups may also face discrimination. I feel that as a teacher you must combat discrimination. To help combat discrimination you can educate your students on others cultures. “When youngsters have positive interactions with people from backgrounds other than their own, they gain further respect for different cultures.” (McDevitt, Ormrod 2010, 99). As a teacher it is important to multiliculturalize your curricula and instruction. For example when you are teaching a lesson about immigration you could invite immigrant parents to come to the class and discuss their experiences in moving from one society to another (McDevitt, Ormrod 97). I feel that it is important to educate children about other cultures, races, and ethnicities, and accommodate children of different backgrounds.

Different Learning Styles

As an educator I will strive to incorporate all learning styles into my lessons and assessments. Every child learns differently. More traditional schooling does not best suit all children. In my class I will teach and asses’ students in ways that meet all learning styles. I will present material in ways that will help the children learn quicker and more efficiently.
I feel that if materials are presented to students in all learning styles the children and the teacher will benefit. Children will become lifelong learners and develop a love of learning. Teachers’ will reach a larger audience, and accomplish their goals sooner. The class room should be a place that children succeed. I feel that my teaching methods will allow students to learn, succeed, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
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As Teacher's We Are Learners

I believe that as teacher’s we are also learners. We must teach what we know, but continue to learn what we don’t know. The teaching process should also be a process of learning, growing, and evolving continuously. Educators should teach their students what they know, and what they are learning to help their students grow in mind, body, and spirit.