Cultural Diversity's Impact in Academic Settings

Student Observation

Michael L. Mills

Walden University

Instructor: Jesse Chester

Enhancing Learning through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (EDUC - 6616O - 9)

January 31, 2016

Student Observation

For this Module 4 assignment, I was expected to choose a student to observe that is from a different cultural background than my own. To begin the assignment, I will describe the full background of the student. Next, I will examine and describe my observations of the student in a social setting as well as in an academic setting. Then I will examine the interplay between the student’s culture and language and his experiences at school as well as in social situations. Finally, I will share recommendations

The students could choose to play an organized game of soccer that is refereed by a teacher or have unstructured play time. David chose to play basketball with his classmates. Only 3rd graders (about 8 of them) were playing basketball at the time. No other students played the game, but they did not prevent others from playing. When picking teams he and and another boy decided it should be boys versus girls. This caused a small argument between the boys and girls, but eventually they agreed and started the game. David was very vocal during the game and called out for the ball often. He did get upset when one of the girls called a foul on him and he sat out of the game for about 2 minutes before re-joining. The game continued with a few minor arguments. When the whistle blew to come inside, he eagerly ran towards his classroom. AISC has a school-wide policy of accepting and respecting others. Before playing the basketball game, he made sure that everyone that wanted to play the game could. Although David did get upset with his friends at times, he seemed to calm himself independently and was able to accept and respect his classmates. There did not appear to be any school-wide practices that work against facilitating his inclusion. David seems to be a very popular student that other kids want to be around. Many observations were made of David arguing to get his way. This appears to be a learned behavior that works to his