After having participated in the course discussion on Diversity in Education, reflect on what you learned and post on how you will show respect for diversity in your classroom? How will you show this respect towards diversity when planning and implementing your lessons? Remember to read your peers posts and comment on a minimum of three posts.
Prof. Arlinda Lopez
As a future teacher I will definitely establish rules in my classroom that promote respect towards everyone, no matter what race, gender, disability or sexual orientation they may have. Students will not be allowed to call others by using discriminatory or denigrating names. As teachers, it’s our responsibility to make sure our classroom environment promotes the value of acceptance, tolerance, and respect to all. Additionally, we should also make sure everyone has an opportunity to express themselves and give their point of view on any given topic. When we prepare our lesson plans we must review our sources and the content we are going to teach. We must be aware of the messages that are being sent to students, especially when our content is related to themes that expose them to different cultures, beliefs and political stances. Teachers cannot be biased; they cannot promote their own ideas and must allow students to use critical thinking skills to develop their own conclusions. As teachers we must acknowledge that all students are different, they do not think and learn the same way nor have the same background knowledge. This means we must find effective ways to consider their differences when planning, teaching and assessing what they've learned. We must use strategies like differentiated instruction to make sure all students are learning. Group work must be given, in order for students to learn from each other, get to know each other better and be willing to accept different perspectives. Finally, when we evaluate students we must be fair, and use evaluation methods that are realistic and adjusted to their learning capacity.
ReplyDeleteIs supper important to integrate the diversity in the rules like you just said. And I totally agree with you because I know that there's not one way to evaluate all the students. Teachers have to adjust the methods and techniques that they use to evaluate the students to be fair with all of them. This is no easy task but it is possible to do so especially when you are passionate about your profession. -Anaira-
DeleteI agree with what you present. There is a sense of respect, acceptance, and tolerance that we as teachers need to have towards our students. This is our responsibility and it cannot be undermined.
DeleteYour approach, that of using group work in the classroom to create a beneficial social and learning environment, is truly something that needs to be exercised more often.
Kathleen Gómez
DeleteAs teachers we need to create an environment of respect for each other, we have to promote values in our classroom so that students learn to listen and work with other peers who have different learning styles. I also believe in differentiated instruction, we have to create assessment utilizing a variety of techniques to improve students learning styles. This way we will be encouraging, motivating and engaging students to learn to respect other point of views while working together with equal opportunities within the classroom.
Will, I think this is a great idea. But In my opinion I dont think it should be called rules a more acceptable word would be "values" to promote respect. This is very important that we do teach values every chance we get. Students spend a lot of time in school so is the perfect place to show this values and mold their minds into understanding the importance of respecting others how they are.
DeleteCompletely agree with you! You can't discriminate students cause of their sexual orientation, disabilities, race or even for weight! I remember being ridiculed for being overweight and it isn't easy to live through and indirectly effects you for the rest of your life. Sad but true!
Deletethanks to your comment I have a clearer vision about diversity and how could I respect it in my classroom.
Deletechris
The topic of “Diversity in Education” has been presented on more than one occasion, in more than one class, throughout our teacher preparation program. The reason for this is the importance of the topic and how it will affect our work and ethic. I feel like many important aspects of diversity in education and the classroom were presented. Sure, we should be aware that we will have, to some degree, a culturally varied classroom. As teachers we need to show respect towards them, while avoiding being biased and signaling them out. This I feel was the most talked about aspect in past classes, but in this class discussion many more facets of diversity, that directly affect us, were presented. The diversity will not only be cultural, involving such things as race and religion, or stereotypical, it will also involve things like the students’ mental and physical development, our teaching materials, curriculum, and assessments amongst other aspects that affect the teaching-learning process.
ReplyDeleteKnowing beforehand the kind of diversity that I could be exposed to in a classroom and how it could affect my work, has made me realize that there are a few things to be aware of that can be changed. These changes will aid me in creating the proper atmosphere for the classroom. Some of the things I will keep in mind are the educational material and tools I will be using. By varying these materials, texts (articles, stories, poems, etc.) and there genre and audiovisuals (movies/videos, images, posters, bulletins, etc.), I will create a dynamic environment that students will feel motivated by, instead of growing accustomed and used to. Assessment is another thing to keep in mind. As a teacher I need to be aware of my students’ abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses, this way I will be able to assess their learning in a proper fashion. Classroom interactions will also be dealt with. The environment should be one of respect and openness, especially for those students that could present any kind of special need. It is our responsibility to integrate these students in the class, assuring their academic and social development. Students’ experiences and perspectives will also be considered, as these can help create a better image and understanding of the world for all students. Dealing with diversity in the classroom is not only the responsibility of teachers, but of all students and other personnel. It is important to never forget that students should be treated justly and with equity, always.
As more food for thought, I find the following quote quite interesting:
“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” -Malcolm Forbes
(http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/diversity.html#xHBrzmvLr5HExECd.99)
When it comes to diversity in the classroom, we think alike. Some might think it's only an issue concerning problems like racism or other types of discrimination. As you mention, diversity is about much more. The way we teach, the strategies we use, how we grade or evaluate our students. These are all important aspects that must be considered in order to be as fair as possible to our future students.
DeleteATMOSPHERE!!! That is crucial in a classroom and when you think about diversity it becomes even more important. Because as you say, if you create the right atmosphere there is nothing that you cant achieve in your classroom. If your atmosphere is about respecting each other and adapt your class to be fair to the students needs, then your pretty much set. Now that you mention it, I think that every time someone wants to talk about diversity they should line it with atmosphere!
DeleteYes this is correct, as future teachers we must have an understanding of this, we can not expect to work the same with every student. Everyone is different and will have different needs. It is part of our curriculum to have a strategy on how to work with diversity.
DeleteSo true, it is more than just discrimination of the mainstream problems. It also has to do with not meeting the learning necessities of students with disabilities among other things.
DeleteAnaira
ReplyDeleteFrom where I see it the diversity inside the classroom has to be integrated in a complete way. Educators have to understand what diversity is any ways. Many teachers still think that they are handling well the diversity because they are giving the same treat to every student. Well no, the diversity goes beyond that simple statement. When we determine to respect diversity inside a classroom we have to know the needs that our students have. It is very important to know the need of the student because this way, as teachers, we explore the areas we need to work with. The teacher that respects diversity knows that each student have different needs, therefore they have to be treated in a customized way. But teachers have to keep in mind that each student needs to be treated with equity. When integrating diversity in to the plans we need to include the different treatments that we are going to offer so our students can learn better. This will give us more effective ways to provide the students with what they really need in order to acquire knowledge. Respect for diversity can be found in simple things. For example if a student needs extra time to complete a work we can offer him individualized help to explore what is causing this student to be slow. If the student is having reading problems or cannot interpret meanings in the lesson we can help him by: reading out loud or, giving another student the opportunity to read out loud for the class. Diversity is the key to have an honorable classroom. The respect for diversity is a great way to show our students that we as educators care about them. And also this helps us to improve our teaching methods.
I see where you're coming from. We shouldn't confuse the term equity with equality. There's no way we can treat every student exactly the same way. In the long run it wouldn't benefit them anyway. Students' have their own way of learning, and showing the skills and knowledge they've learned. We can't focus on the group as a collective brain that receives and processes messages in the exact same way. The way there are differences in our society and communities, is the same way there are differences in our classrooms.
DeleteVery true. We as teachers need to be aware of how diverse our students learning styles are. Not everyone learns the same way, and believing otherwise simply compromises the learning process. Sure the students your lesson is aimed at will learn, but what happens to the rest of the class? How are you going to reach out to them? Like you said, we need to be able to customize our lessons, make them student friendly, for everyone. In order to do this we need to be critical and reflective, but also respectful, accepting, and tolerant towards the diversity of the our students.
DeleteKathleen Gómez
DeleteI do believe that each student have different needs and we as teachers have to acknowledge them in order to create better lessons and the way we assess them to benefit their learning process. We have to create an environment of respect so that students learn to implement them in real life situation outside the classroom. Teachers have to reflect on ways they can improve students needs by utilizing techniques or approaches to engage and motivate them while showing equal respect to the learning styles of each student.
I really like what you said about diversity being the key to an honorable classroom (when handled with respect) because it reminded me of the quote "what makes you different is what makes you special" and I like to see the famous diversity as "special" because is a part of who you are and what you are is special. With this said, I believe that every student is special and therefore should be treated like that by taking advantage of it, but most of all by giving them room to be special. And what you propose gives room for that and more.
DeleteEvery student should be taught the way that suites their needs and we can't generalize education techniques suitable for everyone. We have to deal with every students necessities and adjust our lessons to their needs.
DeleteIn a way I see Normary's comment in yours. Normary please don't take it the wrong way! And your right. "The teacher that respects diversity knows that each student have different needs, therefore they have to be treated in a customized way." Clearly you have a crystal clear vision on what you have to do in your classroom.
Deletechris
The way I feel is the basic one to show respect towards diversity is not only by letting them have their own ideas or ways, but to not become dictators teachers that want to brainwash them into thinking or doing thing the way you want them to. Respect them by adapting their lessons or work with their beliefs and not implemented only yours (beliefs) in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of what Marilyn was mentioning, about how as teachers we cannot be biased. Each student has a right to use critical thinking to determine what they believe in. We cannot control the way students think nor their point of views concerning different themes or topics. Nevertheless, there is a line neither students nor the teacher should cross. Everyone should be respectful and accept or at least tolerate peer perspectives. Religion, culture, traditions and even sexual orientation are all factors one must not question or try to change.
DeleteWow! By reading your reaction I remember the issue that we confronted during the observations about politics. Although the teacher did not approved the students talking about politics or religion she did exposed her point of view. Shocking but true story lived in that classroom. We should be open about the diversity and clear about what we want or don’t in our class.-Anaira-
DeleteWhat you point out is really interesting. I think some teacher deviate towards becoming "dictators" in the classroom due to their own fear of diversity. Maybe they believe they will lose that false idea of control they think they should have. Going with your ideas and William's, we need to respect, accept and/or tolerate our students just the way they are. We need to start listening to and learning from each other, instead of imposing ourselves.
DeleteI like a lot what you said because, I think that just because the students can not do something exactly how you want it does not mean they do not understand it. We must then see how the student is and try different ways of assessment. No more dictators that is not the way of transference of knowledge.
DeleteTo me your post is so simple BUT, on the dot. We need more teachers like you because most of our professors and teacher want to clearly: BRAINWASH US! JAJA i liked that
Deleteyou said brainwashed. It is the truth!
chris
During the class discussion we learned all about diversity in a classroom. I learned how to acknowledge a group of students with different cultural backgrounds and address diverse learning styles. I also learned that education doesn't have to be equal. I know this sounds wrong but it is true. All students are not the same, some learn faster then others and need an assessment that will challenge them more. Others need individualized help and we have to be available for all. A a teacher I will teach each student based on there level of learning, equal doesn't always mean the same. How will I implement what I learned in my classroom? First and most important I will respect all cultures, I will encourage students to be open to learning and appreciating every individual. Never will I allow students to use discriminatory words with their own classmates. I will also integrate diversity in my lesson planning by not supporting stereotypes and having a wide range of assessment for all my students
ReplyDeletekathleen Gómez
ReplyDeleteWhen using diversity we are providing inclusion for student’s benefit, by showing respect to their backgrounds, culture, social status they have within a group. We create or plan lessons utilizing different techniques or strategies to let the students explore another area of a lesson. Students will have an acknowledgment of the different views base on their peers response to a specific topic but with a different kind of perspective turning the tables in the way they think, opening their minds into respect others cultures. As teachers we have to create an environment base on equal opportunities for students to develop skills in a diverse scenario, utilizing methods or approaches that meet student’s needs individually. We can use the Multiple Intelligences based on Howard Gardner. An example using a short story is a student can present a topic using illustration; another can create a piece of writing using poetry, use a drama or dance in others. Each student can present in their own way a topic based on what they have learn, that way the students will develop a sense of respect for other point of views while being engage and motivated. Teachers need to be aware of the multicultural education; teachers can use different assessment when teaching to let student see other ways we can learn based on utilizing materials such as: videos, Power Points, Newspaper, Illustrations, school’s trip in others. A teacher can do action research to reflect on ways she can assess student to respect other cultures while implementing equality for each student developmental skills. A teacher can provide opportunities for students to choose the way they want to present a specific topic while helping in the way of creating a classroom full of respect and motivation exploring different perspectives areas of learning styles.
Everyone is different, it does not matter what circumstance might make them different respect and understanding must be present. We will not always know what situations our students will be going through that will make them behave different, so we must know how to approach them think how will I be able to develop in this students the skills he or she needs in a way she will agree to. We must also consider ethnicity, culture, language. We must never keep our work based on a specific group. We must watch for bullying and promoter respect of others.
ReplyDeleteEvelinda Rivera
I think that promoting Diversity acceptance is important. We as teachers need to be of students and colleagues of different nationalities, with disabilities, sexual preferences, etc. I would set strict rules in my classroom about discrimination or making fun of students. As teachers it's important for us to set the rules and enforce them. It's important not to let students get away with making fun of others what so ever because if you let them get away with it once, they'll continue to do it. If the student has learning disabilities we have to adjust our lesson plans to include them in the learning process.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for us as future teacher to set the grounds and rules in the classroom. Discrimination will not be accepted in my classroom!
DeleteJeiny L. Hernández Cancel
As a future teacher respecting the diversity of my students in class is a must, I have to respect my students but I want to include in my classes methods so they can also learn to be respectful of each other. I remember being in school and how students being disrespected by other students just because they did not follow the ”norm”.
ReplyDeleteBeing polite and to value is not much to ask and a simple. One has to be conscious about everyone’s perspectives. Every one is unique and different and was raised differently there is no correct way of acting, loving, understanding and faith every one choose what suites them best.
There are many ways to have this be a open conversation and be a learning opportunity to students threw readings open discussions, writing prompts, and research projects. Teacher should be aware and interfere of making students more unbiased.
raisa
The world isn't as big as it used to be. Many people from different countries come to the America looking for a better job and lifestyle. And Puerto Rico is no exception. In Puerto Rico there are a lot of emigrants; dominicans, chinise, peruvian and the list goes on. Now a teacher can have students from different races and cultures in his/her classroom.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher the first and the most important point is to have rules. For a student rules are a guide that lets them know what they can or cannot do. Among these rules their must be rules that promotes respect and equality. With these rules students will learn to treat with respect students from different cultures.
Another way to teach equality in a diverse class is choosing a good reading selection. Declaration of Independence is a great reading selection for equality: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." There are many other reading selections that promote equality and respect. With these reading selections students will learn it is important to respect others.
Christopher
ReplyDeleteRespecting diversity is crucial to living a successful, fulfilled life. Starting very young in the classroom, children need to learn about differences in their peers, appreciate and accept the gifts that come with a diverse group. As teachers, there are ways for us to make everyone feel included, special and important in our classroom. How a classroom is set up, the projects and discussions that go on are ways to honor and respect every child. Students need to be taught that were we live(Puerto Rico) is always affected by other cultures and some of the most important things that fill our lives originated in other parts of the world. When planning we must take into consideration the different kinds of children. Also, when we are implementing our lesson plans if for some reason some of our students do not understand what we are trying to teach them we must five them individualize help.
That it is exactly what i think, i believe that respecting diversity is crucial in order for people to live a successful and fulfilled life. Also, i agree with the fact that since we live in Puerto Rico we have to deal constantly with a wide range of different people and their diverse way of living life.
DeleteJeiny L. Hernández Cancel
I believe that as a future teacher I need to create an environment where my students can feel respected. Also, provide a classroom that encourages equal treatment toward race, gender, sexual preferences, religion background, and disable people. It is my duty as a future teacher to develop an atmosphere of mutual respect between students, and open-mindedness, so that students of any place can be benefited from the curriculum and lessons. In addition, when taking time to prepare the lessons that integrate messages of multicultural subject matter, which exposes them to create their own beliefs and guidelines in life; I have to make sure that I use the right tools and sources to achieve so. In conclusion, I believe that endorsing diversity acceptance among peers and students is a must in order for any school to function and for the institution to build pupils who are critical thinkers and not just judgmental people. All my effort will be to treat my students and peers with equity; I can only hope that they will follow my example.
ReplyDeleteJeiny L. Hernández Cancel