Classroom Reflection

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Recommended: Importance of cultural diversity in education

To be a part of the educational field is to be a member of an elite group of individuals working shape the minds of children. It is our duty to prepared students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that will allow them to become successful, productive contributing members of society. There are essential concepts that all educators must accept and be willing to commit to. One of those components is the field of educational knowledge is ever-changing. With each new school year, there are new best practices for teachers to incorporate into their lessons. Throughout my master’s program, I have bene introduced to new learning theories and applications to teaching and learning. Each course required me to try something new in the classroom …show more content…

There are a few areas that have been left untouched. More commitment should be given to my students and their learning. I have learned techniques and methods to involve students with cultural differences. However, I have yet to bring those newly learned practices into the classroom. The positive connections that students make with their teachers can be a determining factor in how well they are motivated to learn. My thoughts were that cultural awareness dealt with ethnicity. Yet, a student’s culture encompasses many more aspects such as their religion, sexuality, fashion, food, etc. Culturally responsive teachers take into account new norms and negotiate the similarities and difference among varying groups or individuals (Kozleski, n.d.). My home school is not culturally diverse, in the sense of ethnicity. Therefore, it is my obligation to seek out other cultural factors that connect with my students. In an attempt to do so, clear expectations for my students must be made explicit. My awareness of the needs of their culture will allow me to facilitate their learning, draw them in by actively coaching students on how to act, respond and think intelligently and independently. By the end of the year, I will invest more time in understanding the culture of my students. Some activities to help me do so include but are not limited to previewing shows they watch on television, listening to their music choices, attending their extracurricular activities. Once a month this will be done. The importance of understanding where they come from and what they enjoy culturally, will provide me with tools, concepts, and ideas on how to present the learning materials to them in the

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