In chapter 4 of Woolfolk, topics of different types of learning styles is discussed. Every student has a different learning style. In the book, it talks about maybe usual visual or verbal learners could be described differently such as specific learning environments. Personally, for the longest time would always talk about how I am a visual learner rather than verbal. Extending my knowledge in this will be beneficial in my teaching career. For a teacher to know which way a student likes to work or learn is going to benefit that student more. Whether that being, put them in groups, or separate certain students who like to work alone.
Growing up, I never really had to deal with being in a diverse classroom. I know as a future educator that I will come across many classrooms of diversity. Understand backgrounds of all different diversities may be difficult for me but it will be necessary for me to be successful in my career. Many teachers tend to think a family who deals with home issues that that student may not be as smart as a student who doesn't have home issues. Which is covered in the Woolfolk text, Chapter 6. As a future teacher, I hope to look past that. I hope to look at that as I need to work more one on one with that student rather than ignore and look down upon that students education. Set high standards rather than low. That being said, I will teach and treat my classroom equally and if one students wants or needs more help that I will plan one on one meetings with him or her to help that student.
Getting experience is vital for most teachers. Luckily, I've had a great opportunity to get experience teaching by substitute teaching starting this year. I sub at multiple districts which I think is even greater for me to understand different areas. Some deal with diverse, some don't. Working in diverse schools has gave me a chance to realize that some students have things difficult at home and that being in school can be the best time of the day for them. Again, understanding that every student is different. Come from different backgrounds, cultures, etc. is hard for some teachers to understand but very powerful. (Woolfolk, page 242)
I too started substitute teaching this year at a diverse school in Bridgeport. I have really loved the opportunity to get to know all the different students and their different personalities. I think it is awesome that you are able to sub at multiple districts and gain insight into different environments.
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job pointing out from each chapter how we really have to be observant of all our students and take each student for the indiviudal that they are and make sure that we are using the way they learn to help them be successful. Also, taking into account their background and what their home life may be like. Like you said for some students being at school is the best part of their day. Not every student has the most ideal situation when they leave school each day and we must take notice of that and provide extra help when needed but not ever single any student out.
Danielle
Joe, I agree with you that for some students being at school is the best part of their day. Many of the teenager students at my school have adults responsibilities. Coming to school is the only time of the day they can be a teenager.
ReplyDeleteHey Joe! I was a visual/aural learner as a kid too. Now teaching music I realize that some people NEED sheet music to play. But I have other students that are better learner by visual/aural like myself. But like you said, being able to do multiple styles will no doubt better us as teachers!
ReplyDeleteHi Joe,
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
During my early school years, I was exposed to a diverse classroom setting. It wasn't until I went to high school, then college and then the corporate environment where diversity surrounded me. I feel like I am a better person because I was able to learn from individuals that are different from me.
Within in my current role, the students that I work with come from all different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and some of their stories have truly inspired me. It's an amazing feeling when you can have a connection with a student who may come from an entirely different background. I learn from my students daily.
I know you'll be a great educator and embrace all of your students and their cultural differences!
~Kirsten