I think when we talk about diversity, it is important to understand that it is not strictly in ethnicity. Students can be diverse in the types of families they have, the way they learn, and language. I definitely think it is important to learn about my students, more specifically where they come from. I liked how we had to write a poem in class that described who we are. I think that this is a great activity that can allow you to understand your student more. I also think that another way we can learn about the diversity of our students is to have a student introduce themselves to the class simply by stating their name and having them tell us one fact about themselves. We also have talked in other classes about getting to know our students during lunch. Each week a small group of different students can have lunch with the teacher where they can talk about anything, not just school related topics. I think this is another great way to know my students outside of class. I also can attend sporting events that my students participate in. The ways are endless as to how we can get to know the diversity in our classrooms from different perspectives. Knowing your students on this level will help develop your relationship with your students and will also give you clues as to how to instruct students and how you can include their diversities when teaching.
Within the next weeks in my field placements, I plan on getting to know my students in my placement for who they are as learners. I have a fair idea about some of them, but some students I do not get to talk to often or work with on a regular basis. I also want to get to know my students on a more personal level. I will ask them about their families. I also hope to find some things in common with my students to show that even though I am a teacher and come from a different background, we have things in common and what effects their lives also effects mine. This would be a beginning to the understanding about how everything effects everyone else as we read in the Ladson-Billings article from last week.
I really like that you gave attention to diversity beyond ethnicity. While ethnicity is an important aspect of an individuals identity; to focus too heavily on that element is to miss complete picture and socially constrain identity.
ReplyDeleteYour goals for getting to know your students are great. You make a good point to state your efforts for your students to get to know you as well. I am wondering how you plan to carry out your goals in your current placement? You mentioned that you don't get to talk or work with many of the students often. With this challenge in mind, are there some other ways you can reach them?