Diversity in the Classroom

As a teacher I feel I could learn a great deal from my students. One way to learn about my students and the diversity in my classroom would be to have classroom discussions. By talking about different readings or discussing current events, I could learn how my students view the world around them. While, participating in discussions, students tend to draw from their own experiences. As a teacher it is important to understand where students are coming from and why they think certain ways. If you know this it is easier to come up with a way to teach to their needs. In order for classroom discussions to be effective, the students need to feel comfortable sharing their opinions and beliefs with the class. In our reading on discussions, it stressed the importance of this concept. If the students do not feel comfortable participating in discussions then it will probably not be a very fruitful discussion. I have also seen the value of forming a community in my own classroom in field. Our CT has built a very open and communicating classroom and because of this she has been able to learn a lot about each student and we have as well. I also think small group discussions are valuable for those students that do not feel comfortable speaking out to the whole class. The point of discussions is so the teacher can see what perspective the students are coming from. I think this is much better achieved in a small group discussion.

Another way to learn about diversity in the classroom is to have the students do a project about themselves. Our CT did this at the beginning of the year. Not only did she learn a lot about the students life, but also about their writing levels. I think the main way you can get to know your students is to be available in the classroom, let your students know you care and also keep that open communication in the classroom.

It is important to know your students so you know how to teach. Some students may have special cases that prevent them from doing their work or that make them tired in school. The student may want to learn, but something is preventing that. It is important to know this as a teacher so you can try and help the student and not just brush them off as another student who does not care. I feel that most kids want to learn and it is the teachers job to make that happen. For instance, that case we read in class was a good example of having to know your students. The teacher asked the students friends what was up with the student and she was able to find out without embarrassing the student and she was able to help the student instead of just assuming he did not want to do his work. It is important to know your students so you can help the learn and achieve in the classroom.