Learning Log #4

What?

In chapter 4 i was able to take a closer look at some group differences i may experience when i become a teacher. It is so important as a teacher to always keep these differences in perspective and to acknowledge them in a positive way, and never disregard the student in any way. Every child is to be treated and looked at as an individual, and as teachers we should never assume things about certain students. Within these differences there are many different ways a student learns and processes information, such as IRE Cycle here there is adult to child interaction and many others. It was also interesting to learn about the many different ways teachers and other adults can help children with these differences. It is important for educators to have a worldview so they know what to expect and how to react when these differences arise. Through out this chapter it gives some great examples of different cultural and ethnic differences such as language and dialect, talking versus remaining silent, waiting versus interrupting, family relationships and expectations, conceptions of time, cooperation vs. competition and world views. All of these factors have a great effect on the environment of the classroom and the relationship the students have with others and their teachers. This chapter also goes over gender differences and the different cognitive developments males and females have. Males and females are different in many ways and we must not be bias according to gender, especially with different activities or expectations. Students may act different and learn different according to these differences. As teachers we need to react or discipline them each in their own way. In our classroom we may also encounter students who are at risk, we need to be aware of signs that these students will illustrate. They may have a history of academic failure, older age in comparison to other classmates, emotional and behavioral problems, low achievement, and decreasing involvement with school in general.

So What?

Because of this chapter I will always keep group differences in mind, not by ignoring them but acknowledging and accepting them in and out of the classroom. Especially now a days I am starting to see a lot more ethnic groups through out the schools and i keep reminding myself that I need to always remember as an educator I will have to maintain complete equity in my classroom in order to help it be a safe haven and an enjoyable place for each and every one of my students. I also learned in this chapter some great pointers on how to create a multi-cultural classroom which will be the base of my students learning. As an educator I will need to know and establish my own cultural lens, incorporate different values, beliefs and many other factors into my curriculum to help make my students feel accepted and special. I must also work hard to explore and know the backgrounds of the different student's ethnic groups, always integrate all the students together and never illuminate students that are different or think less of them. I must encourage the males and females of my class to follow their dreams and help them find things that interest them. I will always remember that each and every student has an important thing to offer and we must be accepting of those and help our students accept them also. Because of all these differences as teachers we must create a classroom of complete equity.

Now What?
By understanding the differences with various cultures and ethnic backgrounds, It will greatly help me to connect with my students in the best way possible. It is extremely crucial that I develop these skills to the best of my ability to prevent students feeling left out and or alone. I think that developing this skill will also help me to have some pretty neat experiences with my future students that are from different ethnic backgrounds than I am, In high school I had various friends that were from different ethnicities and I remember still to this day how neat it was to go to their houses or go to different family parties and see the different traditions and styles that they had carried throughout the different generations of their families. I think that with my students I can have these same types of experiences and feelings, but only if I have successfully managed to learn and/or relate myself and my background to those of others. I also think that if I can learn to relate with my students of different cultures that I can change the course of their lives. There are so many students that never make it to graduation or succeed in life simply because they think that nobody understands them or relates to them. If I am able to connect with them in a way that none of their other teachers have been able to do, then I will be able to have a positive influence on them and hopefully change their way of thinking and state of mind, and therefore; change the course of their life. All of these things that I have discussed in this Blog will be essential if I am to become an extraordinary teacher and reach my full potential. I realize that it will take a lot of hard work, but I know that it will be extremely rewarding to have these skills and be able to effect the courses of my students lives and help them to aspire to reach their full potential.