Teaching With DiversityAbby Freeman and Racquel Parra

Journal Entry

How do your personal beliefs and your upbringing influence your approach to teaching in the classroom? How does your perspective alter your approach in the classroom?

Types of Diversity

Cultural/Linguistic Ethnic Sexual Orientation Socioeconomic Status Religious Regional Academic Ability

In your classroom of 30 students…

24 will be White 4 will be African American 1 will be Asian 1 will be American Indian 3 will be Hispanic 1 will be Jewish 1 will be Muslim 6 will be living in poverty 2-3 will have disabilities 3 will identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or

bisexual

Student-Teacher RelationshipsIn America In Many Other

CountriesEgalitarian (open or sibling

relationship)Formality (distant or parental relationship)

Earned Respect Respect inherent in roles

Personal Accountability Anonymity of the system

Emphasis on originality/Creativity

Emphasis on knowledge of material

Emphasis on “hands-on experience”

Emphasis on Theory

Students expected to challenge and engage

Students expected to listen and absorb

Tips for Teachers

Examine how your background influences what you do

Understand and respect cultural differences Provide a welcoming environment Build relationships Provide rationale Let them choose! Use a variety of sources Vary assessments and activities Avoid using students as spokespeople Use the diversity!

Case Study 1: Language

How would you begin a conversation with Matt about how his use of BEV will affect his grade on this assignment and on other work in your class in the future?

What limits, if any, would you establish with respect to use of non-Standard English in your classroom?

How does the cultural context of the class, school, and community affect how you would respond to Matt?

Tips on Linguistic Diversity

Incorporate visual and hands-on activities Value the student’s first language or dialect Provide a safe environment for langauge

practice Provide constructive feedback Avoid using idioms with ELL students

› “Aux calendes grecques” The first day of the Greek calendar

› “El libro so me cayo de las manos” The book fell out of my hands

Case Study 2: Ethnicity

Do you agree or disagree with the principal’s decision to cover the photos?

What principles should teachers follow in selecting materials for display, involving students and parents in decisions regarding such issues, and countering stereotypes portrayed in other forms of media?

Case Study 3: Gender

What was effective and ineffective about Ms. Bell’s interaction with students?

Assuming that the reinforcement pattern in these exchanges is typical of Ms. Bell, what effect would you suspect Ms. Bell’s interaction would have on her students?

What, if any, issues of diversity are embedded in this case?

Case Study 4: Religion

What limits, if any, would you have set on student choice of topic?

What other issues related to religion are likely to arise in the classroom? What religious issues have you observed in a public school? How was the issue handled? How would you address each of the issues identified? How will you use religious references in your classroom?

Tips for Interaction

Recognize any biases or stereotypes you may have absorbed.

Create a friendly environment for dialogue.

Be careful to choose examples and words that can be universally understood.

Ask for periodic feedback.

(Davis, 1993)